Jon Dittenber started in the banking industry in college and has been fortunate to hold various positions that have provided him with a well-rounded understanding of just how many elements go into banking.  His experiences have fueled his appreciation for the industry and he is constantly motivated to grow and develop himself both personally and professionally.  He is now the Vice President of Commercial Loans at West Gate Bank. At WGB, they focus on fulfilling the needs of the Lincoln community, whether it is real estate, investments, commercial, industrial or private sector.

Tell us a little about your family.
My wife, Alicia, and I just celebrated our 1-year anniversary.  We have one dog, Tucker, who rules the house. We are lucky to be in Lincoln close to my parents, my sister and her family, as well as my in-laws in Omaha.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Born and raised in Lincoln, I was eager to relocate after college.  I spent time post-college traveling throughout the US and a short time living in Denver.  While I greatly valued the experience, it gave me a newfound appreciation for being a part of Lincoln and investing in the growth of the community.  It’s the people, not the place that make Lincoln great!

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
My ideal day off would start off on the golf course, followed by catching a baseball or football game, and capped with a great meal with family and friends.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
If I was not in banking, I would want to be a college football coach.

What are you the most proud of?
My relationships, both personally and professionally.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The Golden Rule.  Treat others, as you would like to be treated.

What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish?
To be the best father to my future children.

How would your friends describe you?
Loyal, honest, and hardworking.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
My ability to remember every sports score and statistic.

Which talent would you most like to have?
To be a scratch golfer.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish I could sleep in on the weekends but more importantly be talented at completing house projects.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
Domestic Violets by my friend, Matt Norman.  It’s really entertaining and an easy read.

What is your favorite movie?
I have many favorite movies but Gladiator, Top Gun, Elf and all of the Star Wars movies come to mind.

What is your favorite TV show?
My current favorite is Game of Thrones but still missing 24.

What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant?
For lunch, my favorite is the meat combo slice at Lazarri’s Pizza.  For dinner, nothing beats the Black & Blue Strip at Venue or the Crab Chop Chop Salad.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Walter Payton. The Chicago Bears have been my favorite NFL team since childhood. I remember watching Walter Payton’s no nonsense approach playing on and off the field.  He was a team player and one of the best running backs of all time.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
I can be contacted by phone at (402) 323-8998 or email at jdittenber@westgatebank.com.

They can always visit us online at www.westgatebank.com or stop into the bank.