Kirk Hanson, Elkhorn High School Class of 2000
Written by Ann Huddleston, Alumni Relations
From Elkhorn High School to Multi-State Developer, Kirk Hanson has had a lasting impact shaping Omaha’s and surrounding area’s development.
The glory days of growing up for Kirk Hanson, class of 2000, might sound familiar: Godfather’s Pizza, Elkhorn Lanes, shifts at Dick’s Market, and long, easy nights hanging out in the Kwik Shop parking lot. “Those were fun times with everyone from EHS,” he says, with affection.
That same era of small-town growth and endless possibility planted seeds for Kirk’s future career. While still in high school, he worked maintenance for a real estate company. Watching development unfold around Elkhorn and West Omaha intrigued him. “I was always interested in seeing development happen,” he explains. “With all the growth, I wanted to figure out how to make it a career. I also like using the creative side of my brain—and development is never the same twice.”
Inside the halls of EHS, a few key teachers stood out along the way. Mr. Radicia and Mrs. Holmes made a lasting impact, and he fondly remembers hosting the talent show and creating movies in Mrs. Eggers’ class. The mix of encouragement, creativity, and responsibility clearly stuck. Kirk went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Finance at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.
His first major development project came after high school: relocating the Menards in Columbus, Nebraska. It was a crash course in large-scale commercial development. “I learned how many people and steps it takes,” he says. “You’re herding cats the entire time. But it’s incredibly satisfying to watch all the parts—and all the people—come together.”
Today, his company, ACCESS Commercial, evaluates properties with a clear mission: add value for investors and partners while setting tenants up for success. With most projects in the retail and restaurant space, location is everything. “Top A-1 locations are key to their success,” he notes.
Scaling from local projects to multi-state operations came down to trust—and consistency. “We’ve succeeded in being a trusted partner to national brands. They ask us to help them elsewhere.” One standout example: Raising Cane’s. “We’ve completed 26 locations for them,” he says. His philosophy is simple: “Do what you say you’re going to do, relentlessly pursue, and add value.”
Back home in Omaha, his developments have helped shape the city’s evolving landscape. He especially enjoys bringing new concepts to town and breathing new life into older areas. A recent example is The Arthur at 48th and Dodge—a massive ten-property assemblage transformed into a five-story apartment community next to UNMC. “That one was exciting,” he says. “It’s fun to build something new where most people only saw what had always been there.”
Another favorite is Regency Landing, a six-year effort that’s now nearing the completion of phase one. It’s part project, part passion. “It has been a labor of love,” he reflects. “I love seeing families and friends enjoying all of the great tenants we’ve brought together there. And now our office is there too!”
When asked what advice he’d give his high school self, he pauses—then answers with honesty. “I would’ve partied a little less, worked a little less, and just enjoyed being a high schooler longer. But other than that—no regrets.”
From Kwik Shop nights to reshaping city blocks, his journey reflects exactly what makes an EHS alum unique: grounded beginnings, big vision, and a commitment to building something future generations can enjoy.
