In your own words, describe your role at the bank:
I am a commercial real estate lender and also lead a team of five other lenders at our Ralston branch.

How did you get into banking?
I started my banking career through an internship program as a senior in high school. I fell in love with banking right out of the gate and have been doing it now for over 20 years.

Why is banking a great career?
I've always enjoyed helping customers with their financial goals. It's a great feeling gaining a customer's trust to manage their money.

Is there anything you'd like to add about your family heritage or what Hispanic Heritage Month means to you?
Family values are an important part of the Hispanic heritage. I always try to make a personal connection with all my customers. This creates a strong friendship which helps maintain a good banking relationship for years.

In your own words, describe your role at the bank:
I open new accounts for checking, savings, IRA and business accounts. I help customers with account deposits/withdrawals, loan clerk duties, internet banking, credit applications and translating for Spanish-speaking customers.

How did you get into banking?
I always loved math in high school. My sister had heard about a job opening for a teller. Here I am, nine years later.

Why is banking a great career?
Banking is a great career because you have so many options. From teller, to bookkeeping, to loan clerk or loan officer. There are so many paths one can take in the banking world. It’s always evolving and there are new procedures/policies to learn all the time.

What is your favorite book, podcast or quote?
Roy T. Bennett – If you want to be happy, do not dwell in the past, do not worry about the future, focus on living fully in the present. I can’t change the past or control the future, but I live every day fully with my family and friends.

In your own words, describe your role at the bank:
My role at Platte Valley Bank is anything and everything to do with bank card services. I specialize in debit cards, credit cards, & merchant services.

How did you get into banking?
My mother and older brother were with Platte Valley Bank for many years before I came on. They played a large role in my interest in banking. It just so happened that in 2018 a teller position in Gering became available and I've been with Platte Valley Companies every since.

Why is banking a great career?
Banking is a great career because there is always room to grow. I learn something new every single day and am constantly challenged in really great ways.

What is your favorite book, podcast or quote?
"Focus on the step in front of you, and not the whole staircase. -Unknown"
This is my favorite quote because it is a reminder that no matter how big or how small the step is, growth is still growth.

Is there anything you'd like to add about your family heritage or what Hispanic Heritage Month means to you?
Hispanic Heritage Month means a lot to me because it is who I am. I am extremely proud to be a part of the Hispanic Culture and am so grateful to work for a company who supports our diverse community.

In your own words, describe your role at the bank:
As a loan administrator, I assist in gathering financial information. Working together with Bruning lenders to initiate and finalize the loan process on behalf of the customer. I ensure that the loan documents are prepared accurately, that they are in accordance with compliance, and produced in a timely manner.
 
How did you get into banking? 
I am originally from Southern California, and I was invited to a job fair by a close friend. I saw an opportunity to enter the banking world and out of curiosity, I applied. I started as a teller and then saw the endless opportunities for professional growth. That was the start of my banking career!
 
Why is banking a great career? 
I love working with people. I found that the best way you can help is by teaching them how to build wealth and by looking after their financial interests. Letting them secure their future, these relationships last a lifetime.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
What does my heritage mean to me? It is the identity of my people, it's my identity. It’s a legacy handed down to us. A legacy of hard work and great accomplishments, it is the passion of hard labor and great work ethics that make us prosperous wherever we go. 

What is your favorite book, podcast or quote?
“It takes a team of good people to get you to your destination in life. You cannot paddle the boat alone. Find someone to share your life with. Make as many friends as possible, and never forget that your success depends on others.”
​Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven

In your own words, describe what your role is at the bank:
My job title is a commercial lender, but my role is to help businesses grow and be successful by providing a variety of loan products, services and financial expertise. Sometimes it may not be a good fit for various reasons, but I will always try to help businesses get the help they need for long-term success.

How did you get into banking?
As a sophomore in college, I was unsure what I wanted to do with my life, but knew I wanted to do something related to finance and helping people, so I applied as a teller at West Gate Bank on South St. in Lincoln in 2011. When I graduated from UNL in 2013, I was hired as a credit analyst and became a commercial lender in the summer of 2016.

What does effective leadership look like to you?
An effective leader is someone who uses clear communication to convey expectations and actively adjust based on feedback. They also need to motivate and inspire those around them to become better.

Why is banking a great career?
Banking is an ever-changing field that allows you to help your community in a variety of ways. My parents owned a small business growing up and I see banking as a great way to help businesses grow, which in turn helps the community grow.

Share your favorite book, podcast or quote. Why is it your favorite?
"Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence." - Vince Lombardi. I like this quote because we will all make mistakes along the way, but we must continue to learn from our mistakes and strive for perfection.

In your own words, describe what your role is at the bank:
I ensure that the operations departments, both loan and deposit, have an efficient process that results in the best outcome for our institution and the employee.

How did you get into banking?
In all honesty, I needed a job in high school to help pay for my gas. My business teacher encouraged me to apply at First State to be a teller, and as the saying goes, "the rest is history." I grew to love the complexity of the industry and how everything worked. As a customer everything seemed simple, but as an employee I learned so much more.

What does effective leadership look like to you?
Growth. I think when there are effective leaders the result is growth. I believe you need to grow your employees in knowledge and confidence, and then there will be growth in asset size and bottom line. A leader should be someone that understands the importance of people and how they can get you to where you want to go. 

Why is banking a great career?
The opportunities are endless in the banking industry. There truly is something for everyone. Anything from finances to salesmen, it really has it all. It is a great industry to help people in many ways. Whether it be to buy their first house, start a business or help teach kids about saving. We are here to help.

Share your favorite book, podcast or quote. Why is it your favorite?
My favorite podcast is "That Sounds Fun" because it starts my day with a smile.

Is there anything else you'd like people to know about you or banking?
I have two wonderful daughters that keep us busy and smiling. I love playing sports, being in water and having great friendships. I've been in banking for over half my life!

In your own words, describe what your role is at the bank:
I am currently the Loan Operations Supervisor for Heartland Bank. I develop and implement training plans along with assisting in all aspects of the loan processing / closing and servicing of loans at the bank. I assist with technology and loan software upgrades. Additionally, I create and maintain loan procedures for our lending team. Last but not least I coach and promote culture to our associates.

How did you get into banking?
After college I moved to western Nebraska with my husband. I took a job at a bank with no intentions to pursue a career in banking. However, it did not take long to realize that a career in banking was right for me. I have always felt that I have had a voice in decision making, my talents are being utilized, and my potential for growth is endless.

​What does effective leadership look like to you?
I believe effective leadership is the ability to identify, develop and utilize the strengths of their resources. In my experience, I know that the most effective organizations work to ensure that they have the right people doing the right jobs. Great leaders delegate responsibility to the most capable. They help those who are doing well to do well and inspire those who are doing well to do better.

Why is banking a great career?
Banking is a great career because it is challenging and impactful. As we move through these times of uncertainty, it has been very powerful for me to see how my work has helped many people in my community. I am continually working on new and different projects and never have a shortage of challenges I have to face.

Share your favorite book, podcast or quote. Why is it your favorite?
I have always liked Nelson Mandela’s quote, "I never lose. I either win or I learn." This saying reminds me that winning doesn’t have to mean coming in first. It means doing better than you’ve ever done before. That is great motivation for me to continue to work hard and improve.

Is there anything else you'd like people to know about you or banking?
I am so grateful for the opportunities that working at a community bank has provided me. I appreciate that the bank not only allows me to be involved in our community – it encourages me to do so.

In your own words, describe what your role is at the bank:
I am a lender in our commercial loan department. I assist businesses large and small with financing for real estate, equipment and daily operating costs.

How did you get into banking?
I was given the opportunity to intern at a community bank in the summer of 2014 and enjoyed it so much that I knew I wanted to be a career banker.

What does effective leadership look like to you?
Effective leaders have a clear goal and open communication with their teams. In pursuit of the goal, they identify strengths and foster the growth and development of the individuals on their team, leading to a more efficient and effective team dynamic.

Why is banking a great career?
I continually say that banking is a great career for anyone. I believe this to be true because with the many different departments and skill sets that are needed to make a bank function effectively, it's possible for nearly anyone to find a place that they're passionate about and thrive in.

Share your favorite book, podcast or quote. Why is it your favorite?
A quote a high school coach always said is one that will always stick with me: "The two things in life that you have total control over are your attitude and your effort."

In your own words, describe what your role is at the bank:
I am responsible for an $80+ million loan portfolio consisting of a mix of commercial and agricultural lending relationships. Functions include heavy emphasis in community involvement, actively building customer and prospective relationships, managing / advising customers with ongoing financial monitoring and dialogue to maximize bank and client business performance. Duties also include assisting in the management and administration of the Bank's SBA lending functions.

How did you get into banking?
I originally was looking to get into financial planning during college and was wanting a summer job. I had a friend that was working at First State Bank & Trust in Fremont, who encouraged me to think about coming to work there in the summer. I was offered a teller job and worked there until I graduated from college and took up employment as a mortgage / consumer lender.

What does effective leadership look like to you?
​Effective leadership must have the cornerstones of effective listening and a servant's heart. Leaders must be willing to listen more than they speak, allowing them to best know how to effectively approach each circumstance that they encounter. Also, leaders must be willing to serve and get their hands dirty as well, approaching every situation with a positive team approach.

Why is banking a great career?
Banking is a ground-up, growth-oriented industry that rewards hard work and those that continue to want to pursue knowledge and self-improvement. Every day is a learning experience and gives you a chance to make impacts in your community and be a part of something bigger than yourself. If you want a job, seek elsewhere. If you want a career, choose banking.

Share your favorite book, podcast or quote. Why is it your favorite?
It's a tie..."Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action" by Simon Sinek and "You Are Worth It: Building A Life Worth Fighting For" by Kyle Carpenter.

In your own words, describe what your role is at the bank:
Guide and manage my team at the Clay Center branch to grow and continue to provide the best customer service we can give to our customers. I work with Ag and Commercial customers to achieve their business/financial goals.

How did you get into banking?
I worked in the accounting/tax field for 10 years prior, when the bank approached me about a job opportunity and a chance to work in my community I call home today.

What does effective leadership look like to you?
Leading by example and still being a team player to get work accomplished. I'm very supportive of my employees and passionate about their growth within our bank. I would say most importantly being trustworthy to my employees and customers so they know that I'm here for them and their needs.

Why is banking is a great career?
Banking is being part of your community and helping individuals and businesses reach their goals and sharing the joy of their success stories with them.

Share your favorite book, podcast or quote. Why is it your favorite?
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." -Maya Angelou