Jim Abel, Nebraska ’73 is chairman and CEO of NEBCO Inc. NEBCO is a Lincoln-based company with interests in the manufacture of concrete building materials, road construction, insurance, mining, real estate development and recreation. In addition, Brother Abel is chairman of the Lincoln Saltdogs minor league baseball team. The Saltdogs are the defending champions of the Central Division of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball. Jim’s interest in baseball dates back to enjoying the Lincoln Chiefs and working concessions during the Chicago Cubs spring training games while attending Arizona State.
In 1973, after earning a degree in Business Administration, Jim returned to Lincoln beginning his career on the company’s highway asphalt and concrete paving crews. In 1985, Jim succeeded his father, George P. Abel Jr., Nebraska ’42, as President of NEBCO, Inc.
In addition, Jim serves as President of the Abel Foundation, which continues the family tradition of returning a measure of the company’s success to the community. Jim has also served on many civic and professional boards including the Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, United Way, University of Nebraska Foundation, Nebraska Game & Parks Foundation, Ameritas, Nelnet, Nebraska Wesleyan, US Bank and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. In 2012 the Lincoln Center Kiwanis club awarded Brother Abel its Distinguished Service Award.
Jim served his chapter as alumni secretary, vice president and president. Jim’s son, Jack Abel, Nebraska ’11 is a third generation Phi.
Brother Abel is a life-long resident of Lincoln.
