Star City Six – Matt Clare
Union Bank & Trust is the third largest privately-owned bank in Nebraska, offering complete banking, lending, investment and trust services. The bank has 38 full service and loan production offices in Nebraska and Kansas. Matt Clare is a Commercial Loan Officer at Union Bank & Trust.
Tell us a little about your role at Union Bank & Trust.
As a commercial lender, I work with existing and prospective commercial clients and help them reach their short- and long-term financial goals by assisting with their credit and depository banking needs.
How did you get started in the business?
A college professor of mine, Professor Luthans, told our class, “If you want a good resume-building job, go work for a bank.” I started working at Union Bank when I was 19 and have never looked back. I’ve since worked in multiple different areas of the bank.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Education has always been important to me, so I applied to the MBA program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and earned my degree while simultaneously working full-time. While completing my master’s program, I participated in several business case competitions and explored a wide variety of topics that have ultimately helped me in my career.
Tell us a little about your family.
With the exception of my aunt and uncle in Tampa and sister in New York, I’m very fortunate to have the majority of my family residing in Lincoln, including my parents and siblings, both sets of grandparents, aunts and uncles.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
If it’s just one day, I enjoy working on house and yard projects while listening to podcasts. If it’s more than one day, I like to travel.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I once accidentally swallowed a nail while working on a home improvement project (Note to others: DON’T hold nails in your mouth). One trip to the ER later, I was as good as new.
What are you the most proud of?
I am incredibly proud of my family. As of May 2018, all four of my siblings will have graduated from college, and two are in the process of obtaining master’s degrees.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Teleportation; it takes too long to get from point A to point B!
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
I’m a huge sports fan, but unfortunately never possessed the athletic ability to make it professionally in sports. However, I’d like to own a sports team someday.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
I am on the Leadership Council for Lincoln’s Young Professionals Group, am a part of the MBA Advisory Board at UNL, and serve on the Board of Directors for Heartland’s Big Brothers Big Sisters.
What is your favorite TV show?
I’m a big fan of Shark Tank. I love seeing new business ideas and really enjoy hearing the sharks’ perspectives on business deals.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Mark Cuban. I’d love to learn about how he thinks and views opportunities.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Office: (402) 323-1303; Email: matthew.clare@ubt.com.