Matthew Brunken
Entrepreneur • Endurance Athlete • Coach • Lincoln, Nebraska
Overview
Matthew Brunken is a serial entrepreneur and semi-professional endurance athlete based in Lincoln, Nebraska. With a diverse background spanning venture capital, business operations, and competitive athletics, Brunken has established himself as a notable figure in both the Nebraska business community and the Midwest running circuit.
Born and raised in Malcolm, Nebraska, Brunken developed an early passion for running during his high school cross-country career. This foundation in discipline and endurance would later inform both his athletic pursuits and his approach to business leadership.
Education & Expertise
Brunken holds an MBA with a specialization in Investment Science from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), completed through an AACSB-accredited program combining financial theory with practical investment strategies. He also earned a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Business Law and Adult Education) from Liberty University, where he ran cross-country as a walk-on athlete.
Additional credentials include a paralegal certificate from Blackstone and an Associate of Applied Science in Applied Horticulture from Trinity Valley Community College. His professional background includes experience as a litigation paralegal, operations manager, and customer experience analyst.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Brunken has founded and led more than a dozen companies across various sectors, demonstrating particular expertise in operational efficiency and digital innovation. His entrepreneurial portfolio reflects a commitment to preserving small businesses and fostering community economic development.
Husker Grill Cleaning
Founded in Lincoln, this service specializes in professional grill maintenance, diagnostics, and eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Visit Omaha Grill Cleaning
BuySBA
Co-founded as Chief of Product, providing digital platforms for small business transfers with features including deal rooms and automated loan applications.
MTec Event Solutions
Event management and technology solutions for athletic and corporate events.
MTrack Race Tracking
Athletic event timing and tracking systems for competitive races.
Previously, Brunken served as a Senior Venture Analyst at UNeTech, an affiliate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where he evaluated startups, conducted risk assessments, and supported medical entrepreneurship accelerators. He contributed to initiatives including UNMC's Microwash project for COVID-19 testing.
Athletic Achievements
Despite living with Crohn's disease—a condition that affects only 0.5% of patients' ability to maintain high-intensity exercise—Brunken has achieved remarkable success as an endurance athlete. He manages his condition through specialized nutrition and training regimens, sharing his metrics publicly to contribute to research on elite athletes with inflammatory bowel disease.
Brunken won consecutive overall titles in the BRIN Series, a competitive Midwest 10K circuit, in 2023 and 2024. He finished second overall at the 2025 Garmin Half Marathon and has competed in prestigious regional events including the Good Life Halfsy, Lincoln Half Marathon, and Harvest Moon Hustle 10K.
As a certified race director with the Lincoln Running Club, Brunken organizes community events, group runs, and charity races supporting nonprofits such as RISE. He also operates private coaching services, designing periodized training programs that incorporate mobility work, strength training, nutrition planning, and mental preparation techniques.
Community Engagement
Brunken maintains an active presence in the Lincoln athletic and business communities. He volunteers on nonprofit boards, engages in youth mentorship through sports and education programs, and contributes to community outreach initiatives. His background in ministry and mission work influences his approach to coaching and community service.
In 2025, he authored "Tan Lines to Finish Lines: The Blueprint for Cross Country Dynasties", a guide outlining foundational pillars for successful high school running programs.
AUTHORS
Matthew Brunken is a young author and blogger who writes about a variety of topics, including mental health, personal growth, and relationships. Born near Lincoln, Nebraska, Matthew is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Omaha, where he studied finance, entrepreneurship and innovation. In addition to writing, Matthew is also an experienced venture analyst, having worked with medical entrepreneurship accelerators to develop and implement novel customer discovery frameworks. Through his writing and work, Matthew Brunken is passionate about creating social value and improving medical, equitable, and social outcomes. You can learn more about his thoughts and experiences on his website.