Following his marriage to Jacqueline K. Rhodes (1972), he entered the University of Iowa where he graduated with his BBA.
Kevin began his real estate career in 1974 following graduation from the University of Iowa and received his broker’s license followed by a Certificate of Real Estate & Land Use Economics from UNO. He was hired by Alfred G Thomsen in Omaha as the exclusive leasing agent of the newly completed NBC Center designed by the internationally known architect I.M. Pei.
In 1979, Rhodes continued his education with CCIM and was awarded his designation in 1985. He served on numerous CCIM committees as a member & chairman and achieved a coveted Instructor and Senior Faculty position for more than 10 years. He participated in the NE chapter 1981-2020, serving as President 1997-1998.
From 1977-2000 Rhodes was employed with MEGA Corporation of Lincoln and served as stockholder, President, and on Board of Directors. Rhodes accepted his “dream job” in 2000 as Director of Real Estate for Cabela’s Inc. as the Sidney company began its expansion. He traveled to all 50 states and Canada accomplishing the completion of 21 stores in 19 states relentlessly pursuing new retail showroom sites, negotiating economic incentives with states and local communities, directing the sale of outparcels to complementary uses, and directing the management of real estate assets held within Cabela’s Ventures.
Returning to Lincoln in 2008, he worked for Perry Reid Properties as an Associate Broker. He was then recruited to join the Seldin Company in 2010 serving as Senior Vice President for World Group Commercial Real Estate in Omaha before joining Greenleaf Properties in 2017 and focusing on his own personal properties before retirement in 2021.
Rhodes found great professional purpose from his participation in the Lincoln Board of Realtors, Nebraska Realtors Association, the National Association of Realtors, and the Omaha Business Ethics Alliance. In total, he participated in over 25 committees, forums, & subcommittees at the local, state & national levels. He served on the Board of Directors for Lincoln Board of Realtors (1984-1992) and as President in 1992. Nebraska Realtors Association utilized his skills as District Vice President (1989-90), State Treasurer (1993-94), First Vice President (1994-95), President Elect (1995-96) & President (1996-97). In addition, Rhodes was NAR Regional Vice President in 2001-02. For his dedication to these organizations Kevin was awarded the Nebraska Realtor of the Year (2005), Lincoln Board Realtor of the Year (1987), President’s Achievement Award (1985 & 1987) and the Outstanding Service Award (1990). In 2022, Rhodes was inducted into the CRE Summit Hall of Fame.
In addition to his many accomplishments, he was known for his pleasant, calm, persistent, & respectful negotiation style with realtors/brokers, bankers & clients alike.
Beyond his career, Rhodes was an avid camper, hunter, fisherman, and lover of the outdoors. He participated in the Lincoln community as a Cub Scout leader, member of Cosmopolitan and Crucibles Clubs, YWCA Financial Advisory Committee, First Plymouth Preschool Advisory Board, Friends of Lied, and twice East High School Prom Decoration Co-Chairman. His booming “Go Big Red” was heard at many Husker football, volleyball, and baseball games, and family and friends recall years of “5th Quarters” at the Rhodes’ household following games full of love, laughter, and bountiful food and wine.
He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Jacque; and daughter Whitney Rhodes, Chicago; son Brett (Lindsay) Rhodes, and three grandchildren, Kalli, Bryson, and Kipton, Lincoln; brothers Marvin (Donna) Rhodes, Omaha; Randy (Jodi) Rhodes, Bulverde, TX and sister Pamela (Dean) Brand, Lexington. As well as 10 nieces and nephews, and numerous meaningful relatives and friends.
Services will be held on Friday, September 27 at 11:00am at First Plymouth Congregational Church in Lincoln. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.