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Beede Outdoors

Celebrating local roots, growing together.

When you grow up immersed in the outdoors, some passions never leave you. 

For Matt Beede, founder of Beede Outdoors, what started as childhood memories hunting with his father has turned into a thriving business rooted in adventure, community, and strong local support. "I grew up hunting with my father and fell in love with the outdoors at an early age," says Matt. "Originally, I wanted to be a game warden, but as I went through college, I discovered my love for entrepreneurship. That’s when the idea for Beede Outdoors really took shape."

What began as a dream has now become a premier upland bird hunting destination—offering guided hunts, lodging, sporting clays, and even dog boarding and training. But more than anything, Beede Outdoors is about building community, one hunt at a time.

For Matt, being a local business owner means more than just running a company. “It’s been an amazing experience,” he says. “From networking locally to supporting charities that our members are involved in, it's been incredibly rewarding to give back.”

That local connection extends to the experience they offer guests as well. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or brand new to the sport, Beede Outdoors prides itself on being family-owned, family-friendly, and completely customizable to your needs. “We’re very easygoing and can tailor your trip however you’d like,” he explains.

Over the past decade, Beede Outdoors has seen consistent growth. Remarkably, most of that growth has come from word of mouth. “Last year alone, we had guests from 33 different states and 3 countries,” he says.

A turning point in their journey came when they transitioned from leasing land to owning their own property. That move allowed Beede Outdoors to expand its offerings and revenue streams—and opened the door to a vital partnership with First State Bank Nebraska.

“I first met the president of First State, Jeff Kanger, as a client,” he recalls. “The next year, the bank got a membership—and the rest is history.”

For Beede Outdoors, working with First State Bank Nebraska has been more than a banking relationship—it’s been a true partnership. “They’ve been incredible—strategic with how they structure loans and truly invested in the success of our business,” he says. “I moved everything from a large corporate bank to First State, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. It's a big reason we are where we are today.”

That trust and support have been especially meaningful during challenging times. Whether it’s securing financing for growth or just having someone who understands the ups and downs of running a small business, the team at First State has been there every step of the way.

As Beede Outdoors looks to the future, there’s no sign of slowing down. “We’re focused on expanding our land to support our growing membership and raising more birds,” he says. “I’m excited for whatever comes next.”

What would he say to someone thinking about starting a small business? “Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. Work hard. And always remember where you started.”

Whether you're looking for your next hunting adventure or just want to experience the welcoming spirit of a family-owned Nebraska business, Beede Outdoors invites you to stop by. Click here to visit their website or check them out on Facebook or stop in for a visit.

At First State, we’re proud to support local businesses like Beede Outdoors—because when our communities grow, we all succeed. Ready to start your own journey? Click here to learn more about how First State can make your business dreams a reality.