Meet Todd Furasek, the vice president of commercial lending at Union Bank & Trust (UBT).
Tell us a little about your business. – I help businesses with their lending and banking needs, whether that’s day-to-day questions or big-picture financing that helps them grow and expand. UBT (www.ubt.com) has been recognized for innovative and progressive ideas, and has grown significantly during the past 15 years, both in size and diversity.
How did you get started in the business? – I started in banking when I was in college at UNL and worked as a teller for a couple of years. I worked my way up into a lending position at the bank. I have now been in banking a total of 23 years.
Tell us a little about your family. – My wife Anne Marie and I have three daughters: Randi (15), Delani (13), and Zelli (10). We also have a dog, her name is Tula.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – When I take time off, I love to travel with my family. Several times each summer, we attend a couple Kansas City Royals games and love to visit Disney as a family.
Who inspires you? – I get inspired by my family, and I was taught by my parents to work hard, be honest, and treat others as you would like to be treated. I am also inspired by the great customers who I get to help here at UBT. They are such a great group of people and are doing amazing things here. I am truly inspired by the interactions that I have with them.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Hard-working.
Which talent would you most like to have? – I wish that I was musically inclined and could either sing or play an instrument. I don’t even try to sing because I am terrible!
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I would choose to be a firefighter. Before I fell into banking, I obtained my certification as an EMT and began the process of becoming a firefighter. I tried out for the Lincoln Fire Department in 2000. My dad was an assistant chief with Lincoln Fire & Rescue. He retired several years ago. I guess the desire to serve is in my blood!
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – I enjoy helping at the church we attend, St. John’s Church, and am involved with several committees there. Two of my daughters attend school there, and I have one daughter at Pius. I also serve on the Pius Foundation Board and am a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 11280.
What is your favorite movie? – I am not a huge TV or movie person, but I do enjoy the Marvel series and watching the movies with my girls. They love Marvel and have seen all the movies at least once.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – I grew up in Lincoln, so I have to go with Valentino’s.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 323-1795; todd.furasek@ubt.com; www.ubt.com.