West Gate Bank®, a full-service community bank focused on Lincoln with seven local branches, is committed to providing a strong foundation for building relationships that empower its customers and employees to achieve their dreams. Scott Williamson is the Senior Vice President of West Gate Bank® Mortgage.

Tell us a little about your business. – West Gate Bank® is a true local bank devoted to serving the needs of the Lincoln community. We carry this focus on the community not only into what we do, but how we do it. When you visit West Gate Bank®, your lines will be short, the people will be friendly, and your service will be prompt. When you call us, a knowledgeable person will answer the phone; not a computer set on a loop. Here, we know the difference that truly makes a difference is in the details.

How did you get started in the business? – My career in this industry actually began in 1982, when I started working part-time for Nebraska Title Company during college.  That part-time gig turned into a full-time opportunity when I graduated from UNL in 1985.  I worked my way up to the President of Residential Title and Closing and continued there until 2001, when I took a chance to do something different.  I started with West Gate Bank® in October of 2001 as a commercial lender, and transitioned to a retail mortgage loan originator in October of 2007.  I am now a Senior Vice President in charge of our retail mortgage division.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Without a doubt it was transitioning from commercial to residential lending.  There was a steep learning curve, but I worked through it and advanced.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Successfully revamping our business line into the growing area of the bank that we have today. There were some very important people along the way who made it all possible, because I could not have done it on my own.

Tell us a little about your family. – I’ve been blessed with a wonderful blended family.  My wife, Michalla, is a teacher with LPS.  I have two sons, Ben and Nate, both attending UNL, a step-daughter, Rachel, attending Doane College, and a second step-daughter, Leah, attending Lux Middle School.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Relax.  I love being outside when the weather is decent, and working on the yard or getting in a round of golf is not out of the question.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I never learned how to swim.

What are you the most proud of? – My wife and children.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – While I have been involved with some really great non-profits over the years, I would have to say the two I’m on the boards of currently, Neighborworks Lincoln and Centerpointe, stand out hands-down.  Neighborworks is a natural fit due to the homeownership component (which is only one of the many great things the organization does). Centerpointe helps people with co-occurring mental health and substance misuse disorders, and does a terrific job helping people get better and stay better for longer.

What is your favorite local restaurant? – Tough call, I love food.  A tie between Venue and Florio’s (will it ever open again?).

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – I can be reached at (402) 323-6521, via email at swilliamson@westgatebank.com, or visit us online at www.westgatebank.com.