Union Bank & Trust Company is a privately owned, Nebraska bank that offers complete banking, lending, investment and trust services. The bank has thirty-six full service and loan production offices in Nebraska and Kansas. James Mowitz is an SBA Commercial Loan Officer for Union Bank and Trust in Lincoln.
Tell me a little about your business. – My responsibilities are centered on managing, structuring, underwriting, and presenting all Small Business Administration loan requests for our Commercial Loan Department. Being able to help entrepreneurs and small businesses reach their dreams is very rewarding.
How did you get started in the business? – I began my banking career in 2002 at City State Bank in Sutton, NE as a part-time teller the summer after my senior year in high school. Once I moved to Lincoln to attend college, I applied for a job in customer service at Union Bank and have been here ever since.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I’m very proud of the fact that I was promoted to an Officer level position before my 30th birthday. This was a goal of mine very early in my career at Union Bank and being able to achieve it was very fulfilling.
Tell me a little about your family. – My wife, Heather, and I have two boys; Jackson (6) and Cameron (3). We also have two Yorkshire Terriers, Oscar (9) and Layla (7). My wife is an Attendance Secretary at Culler Middle School. Jackson attends Kindergarten at St. Joseph’s and Cameron is getting ready to start Pre-K this coming fall.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – I lost my stepfather to cancer when I was 18 years old. He was only 52 at the time. I realized at that moment how short life can be and that tomorrow is not guaranteed. Since that time, I have tried to maximize the most of each day I am given.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I enjoy spending time with my family, playing golf, or doing projects around our house.
What are you the most proud of? – I’m very proud of the way that my wife and I raise our two little boys. They are definitely full of energy and can be challenging at times, but I think we are raising them to have the right values and character that will make them successful individuals throughout their life.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “The only type of people that make bad decisions are the ones who make no decisions.” – Jim Mazour
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – I’m not sure if this is a ‘super power’ but I’d love to be a Jedi Knight. That’d be pretty awesome and probably the most ‘nerdy’ thing I’d admit to.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand.
What is your favorite movie? – Saving Private Ryan
What is your favorite TV show? – I’m really into HBO’s True Detective at the moment.
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? – Dave Grohl
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – I can be reached on my direct line at (402) 323-1290 or you can stop by to see me at 4243 Pioneers Woods Dr. You can also visit our website at www.ubt.com.