Where are They Now With Roger Lindstrom

Roger Lindstrom. Photo courtesy of Roger Lindstrom.

“I loved growing up in Oakland. Growing up on a farm was awesome,” stated Roger Lindstrom. “Driving go carts and riding horses was great.”

Roger is a 1981 graduate of Oakland-Craig High School. His parents are Bob (deceased) and Marlene Lindstrom. He has two brothers, Dan (Deb) Lindstrom of Omaha and Scott (Val) Lindstrom of rural Oakland. He also has one son, Drew, 29. “I remember I missed the bus and Scott threw me his car keys. I was 13 and drove to school. I thought I was cool,” Roger said. “People in the city wouldn’t understand our way of living.”

Roger went to country school until he began his eighth grade year, then he went to Craig to school for one year then went to high school in Oakland. “I loved country school. I was the only one in my grade, which made it hard to cheat” Roger stated.

He participated in sports during his high school career, notably football, taking him to Lincoln and a football career playing for the Huskers. “I was there for five years and redshirted my first year. As a sophomore I lettered and made the travelling team,” Roger said. “I played the wingback position. I was third in line. Irving Fryar was first.” Roger’s junior year, he suffered through many different injuries. “I got hurt a lot. I had a hip pointer and ankle and knee injuries. I didn’t play much that year, so I didn’t letter,” Roger stated. His knee bothers him to this day. “I am going in for my third surgery next week. I hope this is the last time,” Roger said.

He enjoyed a much better season his senior year. “I was a starter for the team as a senior and lettered for the second time,” Roger stated.

He graduated in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. “I moved to Omaha after graduation. I got a real estate license and worked for a company for about a year and a half. I then went to work for a computer company for six months,” Roger said. He shared an apartment with friends, one being Mike Cull, who also was a 1981 O-C graduate. “Mike had a steady girlfriend and I thought he would be moving out soon. Another friend and I decided to leave Omaha and go to Cape Cod for the summer,” Roger stated. They sold all they had, cleaned out their bank accounts and proceeded on with their adventure. “I remember my dad telling me that I was crazy to do this, but I went anyway,” Roger said. “We held different jobs during the summer. I worked for a landscaper and also poured cement. We spent a lot of time at Martha’s Vineyard too.”

Roger’s next destination was Phoenix, AZ and he still resides there. Roger and a friend of his discussed going into the spraying business together. “He backed out, deciding he wanted a steady paycheck. I decided to do it alone. I had already committed to some equipment and other things,” Roger stated.

In January of 1988, Roger started the spraying business, 4 EVERGREEN Desert Weed Control. “The spraying business was a natural fit for me. It is kind of like farming,” Roger said. Getting a new business off of the ground is not an easy task. “I went door to door trying to get customers. To get them and keep them you do what you say you are going to do,” Roger stated. “Dad told me once that bad news travels fast and good news travels slower. He is right about that.”

His business is thriving now, employing five to ten people, one of them being his son Drew, depending on the time of year. “The busy time is from mid December until May or so,” Roger said. “We spray lawns and landscapes for weeds, etc. during this time. We also spray thousands of olive trees a year. They stain sidewalks and driveways when they ripen and fall off the tree. They also ruin carpets if tracked into the house.”

The spraying business isn’t the only one Roger owns. “I purchased the Moon Valley Grill six years ago,” Roger stated. “I had a partner for the first two years, then bought him out.”

Many people in Phoenix are Husker fans and go to Moon Valley Grill to watch them play. “It is all red on game day. You would think you were in Lincoln,” Roger said.

Owning and operating his own business has been a challenge, but he faced it and is now a successful businessperson. “I am glad I did this when I was young and dumb. If I would have analyzed everything, I probably would have been too scared to do it.” Roger stated. “I have been lucky.”

He always makes time to come home. “I love coming back to Oakland.”

Phoenix Husker fans at Moon Valley Grill on Husker game day. Photo Courtesy of Roger Lindstrom.

4 EVERGREEN Desert Weed Control business sign. Photo courtesy of Roger Lindstrom.