Nels Lindberg was recognized as the 2014 NextGen Leader of the Year for his continuous efforts to improve the Great Bend community.
Lindberg received the award Saturday during the 93rd Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development annual meeting and banquet.
Dr. Lindberg is the owner of the Animal Medical Center. He also owns a company called Progressive Beef Consulting and Research, as well as being a partner in other small businesses such as Superior Self Storage, Production Animal Consultation, and VET Properties.
The Lindbergs moved to Great Bend in 2001 to start Nel’s veterinary career before moving to Dodge City in 2003. Two years later, an opportunity to purchase Animal Medical Center brought Nels and his family back to Great Bend in 2005. Since that time, he has made a meaningful impact on the veterinary industry and the region through entrepreneurial and community leadership.
“I have been in this business all my life and worked with some fantastic people. You will not find a better veterinarian than Dr. Nels Lindberg,” says Dr. Daniel Thomson with the K-State’s School of Veterinary Medicine. “He will be one of the leading veterinary feedlot consultants in the world when his career is complete, and he’s already well on his way.”
He has published several articles in peer reviewed publications and is asked to speak all over the country at veterinary conferences and training events. He was sought out by the 2012 graduating class from the Kansas State School of Veterinary Medicine, the only school at KSU that allows its students to select who will give their commencement address.
Every day before leaving his home, Dr. Lindberg turns to his children and says — “Work hard and be awesome,” a lifestyle he models well for his family and the countless people who look up to him as a mentor.
Nels lives in Great Bend with his wife, Karen, and their two children Nash, 7;  and Mackenzie, 7. Their family enjoys watching Kansas State football and spending time at the lake during the summer.
The “NextGen Leader of the Year” award is presented by the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development to recognize an individual for their volunteer service. The winner must be creating a meaningful impact as a role model for others, and be seen as a rising leader in their workplace and in the community.
The award program was launched in 2013 as a joint project of the organization’s Board of Directors and the Barton County Young Professionals Group to recognize up-and-coming leaders for their volunteer service.
Lindberg was raised in Lewis, where he graduated from high school before attending Fort Hays State University and performing in the university choir. After earning his undergraduate degree, he attended Kansas State University where he met his wife, Karen, and then graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Lindberg shares his expertise with numerous organizations, serving on the Board of Directors for the Leonardville State Bank, Peoples State Bank, Bayer Animal Health, Norbrook Manufacturing, Novartis Animal Health, and Elanco Animal Health. One of Nels’ greatest strengths is sharing sound advice, even when it comes from someone else. Dr. Lindberg has been affectionately nicknamed “Dave” by close friends because of his passion for sharing books by best-selling author Dave Ramsey. He even implemented a library at his practice where gives Dave Ramsey books to his customers, and has given away subscriptions to Money Magazine when he does public speaking.
He is also active at First Christian Church, serving as the chairman of the board and sitting on several committees. As an Eagle Scout, he mentors his son in the Boy Scouts program.
Lindberg held a seat on the Great Bend City Council for a two year term, only stepping down to focus more on his volunteer service and entrepreneurial endeavors. He is a proud sponsor and active member of the Barton County Young Professionals program, and sets an excellent example of integrity and the pursuit of excellence.
Previous Award Recipients