Meet Lindsey Kirkendall, Assistant Vice President, Business Banking Solutions Officer at West Gate Bank (westgate.bank).
Tell us a little about your business. – West Gate Bank is a family-owned, community bank committed to serving Nebraska. Founded in 1968, West Gate started with a single location in Lincoln, NE and has grown tremendously over the last five decades. Today, West Gate has 10 branches in Lincoln and Omaha, employs over 250 associates, has over $1B in assets and is well represented on over 100 local non-profit organizations. West Gate is extremely well capitalized and proud to be one of the strongest and most secure banks in the country.
How did you get started in the business? – Just after high school graduation, I applied for a part-time teller position or to become a flight attendant, while also pursuing a business management degree. Turns out, I would find my career in banking and here we are nearly 20 years later doing what I love, building relationships and helping customers pursue their financial goals and dreams. I have been in business development and cash management for the last five years.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – In March of 2020, I transitioned to West Gate Bank, just one day prior to the covid pandemic spreading to the Lincoln community. I worked one day onsite then started working, learning and teaching from home with four little kids, a husband that is a UPS driver working around the clock, no family in town while also providing PPP loan assistance to customers and businesses in need.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I lead and managed five Lincoln retail branch locations, a team of about 50, after coming back full-time from maternity leave with my twins. At the time, all four kids were under the age of four.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have been married to my husband, Erick for 11 years and we have four children, Jeslyn (10), Styles (eight), and twins- Swayze & Jaiya (seven) plus a three-year old Miniature Poodle, Jasper. We are generally running to, there and everywhere with their various sports, school activities and social lives.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Being on top of Pike’s Peak when a tornado came through.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Sleep in, shopping and self-care! If my family is off too…then a “YES” day for the kids.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I am originally from a town with a population of 550 people.
Who inspires you? – My grandparents, parents and children inspire me. These are just a few of the words that come to mind when I think of why I am inspired by my family. They showcase integrity, portray accountability and provide listening ears and shoulders to cry on. They influence, motivate, and make me a better person. I value who they are, where they’ve been, and they are my WHY!
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Authentic.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – I’d like to believe it would be, “Superwoman” by Alicia Keys.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 434-7810 | lkirkendall@westgate.bank | westgate.bank