Star City Six – Nathan McKown
First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska. First National of Nebraska and its affiliates have more than $23 billion in assets and nearly 5,000 employee associates. Nathan McKown is senior director, commercial banking group for FNBO and a city ambassador for the Lincoln market.
Tell us a little about your business.
FNBO helps businesses—large and small—navigate a wide array of issues across nearly all industries. We do so by understanding that our customers are experts within their respective fields, as we aim to be worthy partners. Everything we do is done with the customer experience in mind.
How did you get started in the business?
A love of economics, finance, and capitalism. I started in consumer lending operations, managing closing documents for bank retail borrowing customers and enabling third party mortgage companies to originate home equity loan products on behalf of the bank.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Understanding that the textbook version of business is not always how business gets done. Relationships, networks, and perceptions have a major, and appropriate, influence on business.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Building lasting relationships. The successes of the businesses I work with underpin my own greatest achievements. I am inspired by their work ethic, their loyalty, their love for their employees, and their passion for doing the right thing. That’s achievement.
Tell us a little about your family.
My wife Ashley and I have enjoyed 12 years, 8 months, and 21 days of marriage (the days matter!). We have two daughters—Kathleen River (goes by her middle name “River”—age 3, going on 18) and Finley Marie (age 2). It’s hard to believe how much I love these girls!
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Choosing to stay close to family and attend college in Nebraska at Doane College—go Tigers!
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Cook breakfast, then knock a couple things off an endless list of things I haven’t yet gotten done at home. Then, if I’m really indulging, get on the water.
Who inspires you?
My mom.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Life isn’t fair.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Empathetic.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“Ramble On” by Led Zeppelin.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Patience.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
City Impact. I believe the work they do with the Impact Reading Center and involving families is the best way to support the growth and development of young people.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
The Big Short—far better than the movie.
What is your favorite movie?
Can anyone name just one? Some of my favorites include Major League, Shawshank Redemption, Top Gun, or any James Bond movie.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
(402) 323-5223; nmckown@fnni.com; www.fnbo.com.