Meet Alan LaFollette, the Vice President, Home Lending at Lincoln Federal Savings Bank (Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender) (lincolnfed.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – Being in the residential mortgage industry is a rewarding experience that revolves around helping individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership. It’s about providing an individual and personalize path to purchasing or refinancing a home, which is often the cornerstone of stability for many families. Working at Lincoln Federal Savings Bank, a bank that specializes in residential mortgage loans, makes this journey even more fulfilling.
How did you get started in the business? – I’ve been in the financial services industry since 1990, gaining experience with personal loans, car loans, credit cards and mortgage loans. Working with multifaceted loan products has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of how mortgage loans can align with and support customers’ long- and short-term financial goals.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Working through the COVID-19 pandemic brought a unique set of challenges, especially in the financial services industry. Transitioning to remote work required rapid adaptation to new technologies and communication methods, which at times made it difficult to maintain the personal connections essential for building trust with clients.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Having the opportunity and good fortune to lead others.
Tell us a little about your family. – Married—four kids—four grandchildren.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Having children.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Spend time with my family.
Who inspires you? – Those that have helped raise me.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “There is always something to be grateful for.”
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – “Kind”—to me kind encapsulates a sense of compassion, generosity and warmth, reflecting how individuals hope to impact others and be remembered for their positive influence on the lives of those around them.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Super Learning—The ability to learn to do anything better and faster than anyone else. I think this super power would allow me to learn and understand how to do all other super powers.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – What Leaders Need Now written by Andrea Chilcote.
What is your favorite local Omaha restaurant? – The Drover.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Abraham Lincoln.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 669-3196 | alafollette@lincolnfed.com