West Gate Bank, a full-service community bank focused on Lincoln, is committed to providing a strong foundation for building relationships that empower its customers and employees to achieve their dreams.  Denise Spencer is a Mortgage Loan Officer at West Gate Bank.

Tell us a little about your business. – While we are focused on Lincoln, we have the ability to do loans in all states, so if you’re looking for a new home in Lincoln or a vacation home, come see me at West Gate Bank.  We offer all types of loans including, Conventional, FHA, USDA/RD, NIFA and VA.  Our underwriters are local, so if there are any questions, we have the ability to get an answer immediately.  Servicing is also local with outstanding customer service.  We have competitive interest rates and fees and have 30, 20, 15 and 10 year term loans available.  I take pride in getting people into their well-deserved dream home.

How did you get started in the business? – After serving seven years in the Air Force, I decided to change my career path and chose a job in the financial industry.  I have now been in the mortgage industry for 12 years; I began my career with West Gate Bank in 2008 as a mortgage loan processor/closer and in 2013 I became a Mortgage Loan Originator.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The biggest challenge for me is keeping up with all of the mortgage regulations.  They are constantly changing, so we have to be very thorough in our knowledge of the regulations in everything from application through closing.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Being given the opportunity to help people get into their dream home.

Tell me a little about your family. – I have been married 21 years and have an amazing 18 year old daughter who just left for Army boot camp, two stepsons, and a step-granddaughter and step-grandson.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – When I made the decision to join the Air Force. It completely changed my identity and has made me who I am today.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Spend as much time with my daughter as possible!

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I did three military tours to Saudi Arabia and that is where I met my husband, who was also in the Air Force.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – To be myself and do the best I can with what I have to offer.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Outgoing!

What is your favorite TV show? – NCIS.

What is your favorite local restaurant? – LaPaz Mexican Restaurant.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – A country western singer.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – You can reach me directly at (402) 434-3473 or via email at dspencer@westgatebank.com.  Or stop by any of our seven branches to experience the local community bank difference and see how Lincoln’s Bank can serve you!  This includes our popular free checking, free gifts, and even aBuy Back program for your unused checks and debit cards.  You can also find out more about West Gate Bank by visiting our website at www.westgatebank.com.