Phelps Families: Meet the Ehrenbergs, Who Work Remotely in Holdrege After Two Decades in California

A sign of a strong community is that high school graduates and other young adults leave to start their careers but then come back home. This is the case with Ryan Ehrenberg, who was born in Holdrege and left for California in 2002. It took him a couple of decades, but he and his wife Cassie (and their Chihuahua terrier, Pearl) eventually found their way back to Nebraska. 

Get to know Ryan and Cassie Ehrenberg and the impact they have on the community. Even though they work remotely, they still play a strong role in the growth and future of Phelps County.   

After 20 Years In California, The Ehrenbergs Came Home

Ryan’s story begins in Southern California, where he attended the Art Institute of California-Orange County. He had just graduated from Holdrege High School and was eager to start his life out west. He would eventually pursue a career in animation, working as a Visual Effects (VFX) Artist at Shiny Entertainment. During his time in California, he met and married Cassie. She was a University of Michigan-Flint graduate working in higher education. Her future career was in project management. 

Both Ryan and Cassie built their careers and lives in California – and then the pandemic hit. Remote work made it harder to see their friends, and the endless traffic was wearing on both of them. 

“We had visited Holdrege many times after getting married, and it felt more and more like a place we’d want to stay on each visit,” says Cassie. “In 2023, we asked our employers if we could work remotely from Nebraska, and they said yes!” 

The Ehrenbergs took the plunge in April 2023 and have been exceedingly happy with the decision to move back to Phelps County. 

Both Ryan and Cassie Are Involved in the Phelps Community

At this point in their careers, Ryan is a Visual Effects Director for a startup video game company, and Cassie has 15 years of project management experience. She completed her Executive MBA in December 2023 and started her own company, Inkton Solutions, LLC. However, both of the Ehrenbergs have a strong presence in Holdrege. Cassie is currently the Project Manager for the Iron Horse Arts District, a Certified Creative District in Holdrege.

The couple has also worked together on two children’s books called Boys Don’t Fly and Pearl and Squirrel Give Thanks. Ryan takes on the artistic elements and they co-write the stories. Ryan is also working on a card game with some coworkers that will likely launch on Kickstarter in late 2024. The Ehrenbergs love that they are closer to Ryan’s family and enjoy a better quality of life because they are in Phelps County. 

“The people in Phelps County have been incredibly welcoming, and we love getting to know people in our community and being able to make a difference,” says Cassie. “This truly is a place where each individual can get involved and make an impact if they choose to.”

Of course, not having to deal with Southern California traffic is also a perk the Ehrenbergs will never take for granted. 

The Ehrenbergs Are Excited to Grow With Phelps

Ryan, Cassie, and Pearl are all excited about the momentum Phelps has right now. Cassie gets to support the Iron Horse Arts District while she and Ryan both can enjoy the growth happening in the region. 

“There is a lot happening here that can help our county!” says Cassiel. “I’d love to see more shops open in downtown Holdrege specifically…and hopefully attract more young adults to live here and stay.”

The Ehrenbergs restarted their lives when Ryan returned to Holdrege and brought his family home. They saw the care and support that residents of Phelps County put into their communities. There’s plenty of room for others to join them and feel embraced by their adopted (or original) hometowns. 

Learn More About Phelps County and The People Who Live Here

This is the third article in a multi-part series on Phelps families. To keep reading, get to know The Feusners who left Phelps County but returned to Holdrege because they wanted a safe, supportive community to raise their children. Then meet The McNierneys, who found Bertrand in the middle of an RV road trip – and decided to move here permanently.

The Phelps Families series is developed by the Phelps County Development Corporation. PCDC has the tools, information, and skills to assist you with relocation for your business or family. PCDC is ready to help with housing and project advocacy, including permitting, timely utilities, and financial assistance. Contact PCDC at (308) 995-4148 or pcdc@phelpscountyne.com today.

To further explore “Why Phelps,” download the community guide.

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