DLA Q&A: Brian Munk

Brian Munk has been a force behind the scenes of Downtown Lincoln. 

BY MARCUS FERTIG

Known for his kindness and tireless work effort, he is responsible for keeping our downtown clean and beautiful.  His steady presence and genuine care make him essential to what keeps downtown running smoothly.  

Q: How long have you been with Downtown Lincoln? What attracted you here?

A: I started in 2008, working part-time and also at Campbell’s Nursery. In 2014, I decided to go full-time at Campbell’s, but by 2017, I was back with Downtown Lincoln, and I’ve been here since then.  

Q: What is your role on the DLA Maintenance Team?

A: My official title is Vice President of Operations. I facilitate ensuring the maintenance department completes everything. I dictate down the chain what needs to be done and where. It is strange for me, but I am removing myself piece by piece, little by little, from being out and doing a lot of the actual hands-on work. It is very strange, but I am getting used to it.  

Munk awarded as a Distinguished Nursery Professional

Q: What is something about your job most people don’t realize?

A: Managing people is a lot harder than many would understand. We have around 28 people in the crew. It is difficult to do because everyone is different. Everyone has their own personalities. It is not that we have to adhere to every single thing, but we need to all be able to work together to get along and accomplish the goal.  

Q: What is your most proud accomplishment with Downtown Lincoln?

A: Oh my, there’s a ton.  When I first began here, George and I, my boss, we planted over 230 trees in one year, which was the largest tree planting in the city of Lincoln since Helen Boosalis was mayor in the 80s.  That was a large deal. I was very happy with it.  

Getting the Downtown Lincoln area certified in the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Network was a proud accomplishment. That was a big step we wanted to take. Building a better working relationship with the city has been wonderful. There have been times when we’ve been at odds, but working together, we get a lot of cool things done.  

Lately, we have been working back and forth quite a bit on 13th Street, trying to make it more of a pollinator flyway. We need to do more work on that, but we are about halfway done.

Munk (far right) and a team planting a tree.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?

A: Being outside, within the landscape, it doesn't matter if it’s trees or turf, or perennials or annuals.  I love being out there in the element, and when I get to be out there in this green space or concrete jungle, when it is successful, that is my favorite part.  When everything goes right,  it is amazing for everyone.  I want the crew to feel happy and rewarded because they are the folks that do the work, they are the ones who get it done.  

We get feedback when people from out of town visit, whether for a football game or just to travel. Hearing them talk about how clean our city is and how nice it looks downtown is a wonderful feeling. It’s great to have your hard work recognized.  

Munk (far left) and crew

Q: If you had unlimited resources, what would your dream project downtown be?

A: I’ve been working on this a bit, but Lincoln would benefit from an irrigation system connecting the entire downtown area.  We would basically be able to run it all online.  With how hot and dry it is, and all the concrete we have, we need to have the proper irrigation.  I’ve talked to the city already and have been working out the ideas for it, so I hope we can get it going soon.  When it’s dry, it’s really dry here, and we could really benefit from it.