Meet Jason Herlitzke, vice president – SBA administrator at Union Bank & Trust Company (ubt.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – I am responsible for managing the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan program at Union Bank and Trust Company. The SBA program allows businesses access to capital for those that may not be able to receive conventional financing on reasonable terms. We offer both the SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs.
How did you get started in the business? – I have about 14 years’ experience specializing in SBA lending. I previously managed an SBA program for a large credit union in Wisconsin for 9.5 years and have also worked for CU Business Group, the largest Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO), consulting and providing SBA services for financials throughout the United States.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The biggest challenge was the first round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in March 2020. At the time we didn’t know what to expect or even fully understand the program rules. This was an unprecedented time and the program was a continuous evolution. I found the first couple of weeks to be very challenging due to chaotic nature of the program. In the end, the program enabled businesses to stay afloat during COVID which proved to be very rewarding. It was amazing to see the impact we made in our communities.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – In my previous position, I was able to develop and manage one of the top SBA programs in the country. Tell us a little about your family. – My wife Cherie and I have a very energetic six-year-old son named Hudson and a 12-year-old goldendoodle named Brewsky. We lived in Waunakee, WI for ten years and just relocated back to Omaha. We love all sports. I’m especially enjoying coaching our son, Hudson, on his kindergarten basketball team. We are an active family and enjoy any new adventure that comes our way.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Spend time with my family or doing any outdoor activity. Having lived in Wisconsin for several years, taking my son snow skiing has been our favorite winter activity.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I always have to be doing something. I have a hard time relaxing and doing nothing.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – On time is five minutes early, on time is late, and late is never acceptable.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Kind.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Woodworking. I love to create and design new things. My favorite project was creating a wine cellar in my basement.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Architect. I always enjoy designing and drawing.
What is your favorite movie? – I’m a history nerd, so any documentary about history intrigues me.
What is your favorite TV show? – Currently Yellowstone but will change with the next series I start watching.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Barrett’s Barleycorn.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Warren Buffett.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 827-69; jason.herlitzke@ubt.com; ubt.com