First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO, www.fnbo.com) 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. Stacy Svoboda is the branch manager at FNBO.
Tell us a little about your business.
FNBO is the family-owned, “great big small bank” that’s passionate about improving our customers’ financial well-being by doing what’s right for them and the communities we serve. We’ve been helping to build strong communities for over 160 years through individual and business banking, mortgage, investments, and more.
How did you get started in the business?
I was working in a retail store and always thought it would be fun to work at the local bank, so I applied for a part-time teller position and was hired. My passion for banking and serving others has kept me in retail banking for over 30 years.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Seeing the career and financial successes of so many talented young professionals and customers I’ve had the privilege to work alongside and mentor through the years. They are the reason I come to work every day.
Tell us a little about your family.
My husband Rob and I just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. We are empty nesters with three children; Tyler, Elizabeth, and Jessica, plus our son-in-law Trevin, and we can’t leave out our grand dog Finley.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
The day I accepted I was created for a greater purpose.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Sitting outside by the fire with my husband and or family and friends. My husband and I also enjoy regular hiking trips to the mountains.
Who inspires you?
My children. They are each innovative and steadfast leaders within our community, and they’re always teaching me something new.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I have two. The first is the famous Maya Angelou quote: “I’ve learned people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” My second favorite quote is actually from Clark Lauritzen, chairman and president of FNBO: “The biggest impact we can make in the world is with our customers. We have this ability to change lives and collectively change our communities.”
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Selfless.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
Hosting social/family gatherings.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Anxiety-free public speaking.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
I’ve always dreamed of being a chef.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
The collaboration between our nonprofit organizations in Lincoln is very special and the Lincoln community is fortunate to have them all, however, HopeSpoke, United Way, and CenterPointe are very close to my heart.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
(402) 323-5301; ssvoboda@fnni.com; www.fnbo.com.