Meet Kirby Reardon, the AVP of commercial lending at West Gate Bank.
Tell us a little about your business. – As a commercial lender at West Gate Bank (westgate.bank), I work with companies of various sizes and individuals to lend commercial real estate loans, equipment loans, tax increment financing (TIF), etc., but try to specifically focus on owner occupied commercial real estate. I enjoy helping small businesses grow and build their balance sheet.
How did you get started in the business? – I started as a teller at West Gate Bank when I was a sophomore at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. When I graduated, I was hired as a credit analyst and became a commercial lender in the summer of 2016.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The Paycheck Protection Program was implemented at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and the first few weeks involved a lot of tough conversations, all-nighters, and teamwork in order to help local businesses persevere through this unprecedented time.
Tell us a little about your family. – My wife of three years, Dana, is the senior talent brand partner at Spreetail and we have an 8-year-old border collie named Bailey and a cat named Oscar (not sure his age). We enjoy tailgating and cheering on the Huskers as well as playing sand volleyball together.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – My dad passed away in February 2019 at age 54, which made me change my perspective on the important things in life and not to sweat the small stuff.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Almost every federal holiday, I will go to a movie early in the day. Most other days off, I spend golfing or traveling.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I have zero first cousins. That’s always my “fun fact.”
Who inspires you? – My mom Robin beat cancer in 2018 while dealing with my dad’s issues and running our family business. I was able to sit with her through most of her chemo treatments—you don’t know true strength until you have seen someone battle cancer.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Genuine.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Time manipulation. There’s never enough time in the day.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I’ve always had a love for animals. Growing up, I wanted to be a veterinarian.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – There are so many unbelievable organizations in Lincoln. I am currently on the board of Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra, which has a tremendous impact on the arts in the community while making their shows affordable for everyone. I’ve also been able to work with many others like Centerpointe, Willard Community Center, Habitat for Humanity, and more.
What is your favorite movie? – The Dark Knight.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Venue Restaurant & Lounge. They catered our wedding, and my wife and I celebrate our anniversary there every year. Mi Mexico Lindo is also a hidden gem.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 434-4081; kreardon@westgate.bank; westgate.bank.