Star City 6: Stephanie Dinger

Founded in 1917, Union Bank & Trust (UBT; www.ubt.com) delivers a breadth of services to their customers including a full line of personal banking, lending, treasury management, trust and investment services. UBT currently has 39 locations, including branches in Omaha and Kansas along with those in Lincoln. Stephanie Dinger is Vice President – Small Business at Union Bank & Trust.

How did you get involved with helping small business owners?

I was hired as a teller 14 years ago, and held numerous positions within the customer service department. After 12 years in management, I decided I needed a new challenge. We’d identified a gap in how we serviced some of our business customers that weren’t quite big enough to warrant working with a commercial officer but not small enough for the best fit to be working with a personal banker. These were businesses that needed experts to help them with their financial questions, but weren’t getting serviced as well as they could be. With my interest and experience in small business, the bank allowed me to create a small business department with dedicated business bankers in that specialty area. Our Catalyst program is one of the offerings to our small business customers that supports them with competitive products and tools to make banking easier, a meeting space to utilize free of charge, speakers to help them learn, and a network of resources to help get them where they want to go.

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband, Eric, owns a company called Powderhook. He is an entrepreneur at heart and has dedicated his career to thinking differently and taking risks. We are proud parents of three pretty cool kids; Maddie (16), Reagan (5), and Raleigh (4).

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

My perfect day off includes going for a jog with my headphones blaring and then finding something random to do with my family. Whether that’s going hunting, driving aimlessly in the country listening to loud music, reading books with the kids or going junking, we always seem to find a way to laugh and have fun.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?

When I was in high school I would go home sick on the days we had to dissect animals because I couldn’t stand the idea of touching something that was dead. I now go hunting as often as I can and have a true appreciation for the outdoors.

What are you the most proud of?

I am most proud of my marriage. My husband complements my personality. I am proud of him for what he is doing as a businessman and entrepreneur to bring about change in the world. Not only is he focused on growing his own company, he’s always willing and interested in helping other businesses and organizations succeed. While the work day never really ends as a business owner, he is never too busy to play with the kids even if it means working on projects or presentations until the wee hours of the night.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?

I am chair of the Board of Trustees at First-Plymouth Church. Growing in love of God and neighbor is my family and church’s mission.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?

Nancy Reagan.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

Phone: (402) 323-1539; Email: stephanie.dinger@ubt.com; Website: www.ubt.com.