LINCOLN, Neb. — Bison Inc. recently hosted its 50th annual employee recognition event, marking a major milestone in the company’s history. Held at the company’s newly constructed facility connected to its main warehouse, the event celebrated half a century of American manufacturing excellence while honoring team members who successfully navigated the operational challenges of moving into the expanded footprint.
A Legacy Built on Quality and Innovation
Addressing the team during the event, Bison co-founder Nick Cusick reflected on the company’s evolution over the past five decades—from a local industrial specialty shop to an industry leader in institutional sports equipment.
“I founded this company 50 years ago with my high school friend, Elmer Wessel,” said Cusick. “Our very first customer was Kawasaki Motors when they established operations in Lincoln back in 1974. Bison officially emerged in 1985 as a specialized offshoot of our original company, Industrial Machine Specialties. I am deeply thankful for everyone on this team who made the dream of designing, building, and transitioning into this state-of-the-art facility a reality.”
The newly completed facility expansion enhances Bison’s production capacity and warehouse efficiency, ensuring the company can meet growing national demand for high-durability athletic infrastructure.
Honoring Outstanding Contributions and Operational Excellence
A core highlight of the event was the formal recognition of staff members who demonstrated exceptional leadership, adaptability, and performance throughout the construction and facility transition period.
2025 Annual Employee Award Winners
- Employees of the Year: Behrouz Ebrahimi & Dave Smith
- Lead Person of the Year: Matthew Quintana
- Newcomers of the Year: Ta Moo & Musafer Ziyadi
Celebrating Decades of Team Loyalty and Retention
In an industry where skilled labor and manufacturing continuity are paramount, Bison highlighted the deep experience of its workforce by honoring long-tenured employees celebrating 5-, 10-, 15-, and 25-year career milestones.
Notably, three veteran team members were celebrated for reaching 25 years of service:
- Sara Flanagan
- Sammy Horton
- Carrie Hoyt
Their combined decades of hands-on experience reflect the core craftsmanship and institutional knowledge behind Bison's product lines.
Looking Ahead
As Bison Inc. settles into its expanded operational footprint in Lincoln, Nebraska, the leadership team reaffirmed its commitment to quality engineering, safety-compliant athletic products, and a strong company culture centered on its workforce.
To learn more about Bison Inc.’s history, career opportunities, or catalog of institutional athletic equipment, visit bisoninc.com.