Star City Six – Doug Koenig

Union Bank & Trust (UBT; www.ubt.com) is a privately owned, Nebraska bank that offers complete banking, lending, investment, and trust services. Doug Koenig is vice president and trust services advisor at Union Bank & Trust.

Tell us a little about your business.

I am part of a team of professionals in our wealth management area at UBT. We do everything from assisting people in updating and creating their estate plan to serving as trustee/personal representative/financial power of attorney. We provide portfolio management/analysis and financial planning services. At UBT in the personal trust business development area, I like to say we are in the business of saving family relationships. We take the stress and burden off individuals and family members by serving as a fiduciary—managing and investing assets, paying bills, collecting income, and serving grantors and their beneficiaries.

How did you get started in the business?

Eighteen years ago, the opportunity was given to me with the guidance of many good people to start at UBT as an investment representative with my insurance license and pursuit and achievement of my Series 7 license. This led to the opportunity and career path to becoming a trust officer.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

Turning failures into opportunities and learning experiences.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

Helping each individual client navigate the estate planning process successfully. Specifically, taking difficult situations and providing options and solutions.

Tell us a little about your family.

My wife Mary and I love family time with our six children, ranging in age from 20 to nine years old. Our favorite times together are family meals and extended family get-togethers, vacationing to Adventureland Park, Breckenridge, Table Rock Lake, water parks throughout Nebraska, and camping.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

Falling in love with Mary and asking her to be the one.

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

I attended four years of Catholic Seminary in Toronto Canada and Yonkers, NY.

Who inspires you?

Each one of my children in their own unique way, and Mary in her relentless and untiring pursuit of bringing all things together for the good of all.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Do to others whatever you would have them do to you, and love your neighbor as yourself.

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

Peacemaker.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?

Making pancakes.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?

Spacecraft engineer.

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

St. Teresa’s Parish Community, Pius X, and Eastmont Towers Foundation.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?

The Breakdown by B.A. Paris.

What is your favorite movie?

I love science fiction movies, such as Matrix, Star Trek, and Prometheus.

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

Phone: (402) 323-1308; Email: doug.koenig@ubt.com; Website: www.ubt.com/wealth-management/personal-trust.