Security First Bank was started in 1898 as Stockmens National Bank in Rushville, Nebraska and has been in continuous operation since that date. The bank grew into the Lincoln market in the late 1990’s upon purchasing Martell State Bank, and has continued to grow since then both by acquisition and organically. Today Security First Bank operates 30 locations across Nebraska and southwest South Dakota with their headquarters in Lincoln at 5505 Red Rock Lane. Aaron Bell is a Senior Executive Vice President and Commercial Lender with Security First Bank.
Tell us a little about your business. – Security First is a traditional community bank in that we stick to the basics and do them very well; making loans and providing deposit services to individuals and businesses. We like to say we’re big enough to work with almost any customer, but small enough to know every single customer who walks in the door. That’s just as true in Lincoln as it is in our smaller communities like Cortland, Sidney or Elwood.
How did you get started in the business? – I grew up around a bank. My dad had an insurance agency in the bank in my hometown and my best friend’s dad was the president of the bank. I started in consumer lending at Norwest Financial just out of college. I began working for Security First Bank as a consumer and commercial lender in 1999.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – I think that a good, healthy work/life balance continues to be challenge for me. Banker’s hours are apparently a myth used to draw young people into the profession!
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I try to spend as much time as possible with my family and friends. Chasing kids to and from activities and events is always part of my free time. I love to golf and enjoy working on home improvement projects.
What are you the most proud of? – My three children. They are pretty great kids – at least in my eyes.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Well it is advice through a quote by Abraham Lincoln – “People are about as happy as they make their minds up to be.” It’s simple and true. Everyone enjoys happy people.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Juggling.
Which talent would you most like to have? – I would like to be able to play the piano like my dad. He plays mostly by ear. He rarely plays but can sit down and play an impromptu rendition of Amazing Grace like no other.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I have always thought I might like to be an attorney. I like to research and make points to support my opinion, and I kind of like the sport of debate.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – The last book I read was “Enjoy the Ride” by Steve Gilliland.
What is your favorite movie? – It’s a little unconventional but I have always loved the Patrick Swayze classic “Road House.”
What is your favorite TV show? – Modern Family
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Lazlo’s.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Thomas Jefferson
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – I can be reached at our main Security First Bank branch, (402) 323-8045, or through our website at www.security1stbank.com.