Pinnacle Bank has been family-owned since 1938 and has grown to a company holding level of $8 billion in assets, 130 branches in eight states and 1,800 employees. Matt Brockmeier is the Vice President of Commercial Lending at Pinnacle Bank.
Tell us a little about your business. – We are large enough to compete with the big banks, but by staying true to our values and making customer service a priority, we are able to offer our customers the best banking experience possible. Our investment in up-to-date technology, engagement in the community, and commitment to customer relationships are what have built our collective assets to more than $8 billion. Our banks are led by managers who make local decisions and run their banks with our communities in mind, so we can offer solutions that fit our customers best. In my role I work closely with business owners across multiple industries, which is one of the things I love most about my job.
How did you get started in the business? – My father and his dad were both community bankers in western Nebraska, so you could say that banking is in my blood. I started my career as a Credit Manager after graduating from UNL with a degree in Finance. Prior to joining Pinnacle Bank, I worked at a smaller community bank in Kansas City for four years, where I also received my MBA in Entrepreneurship from UMKC’s Henry W. Bloch School of Management.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – It has been an interesting time to have worked in the banking industry over the last ten years. I started my career just before the financial crisis when I worked with many companies as they struggled through the recession. Even when the economy started to strengthen, misperceptions of the banking industry and an apprehension or unwillingness to borrow created a new set of challenges. As bankers, we are now facing challenges from the post-crisis regulations, an evolving industry, changing technologies, and increased competition. I am very fortunate to work for an organization as great as Pinnacle Bank. No matter what challenges the future will bring, I have no doubt that our owners and management will have us well positioned for success.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have a remarkable wife who is finishing up OB/GYN residency at UNMC. We have two wild boys; Jack is 3 1/2 and Brooks will be 1 year old in May. We also have a 10 year old lab-mix named Digby. With all of that testosterone in the house, I can understand why my wife is glad she chose a profession that deals solely with women.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – The day my son Jack was born is definitely up there. I was told beforehand that the biggest change in your life comes when you leave the hospital and go home with your first child…and did it ever. From that moment, my priorities shifted to becoming the best father possible.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I delivered my son, Brooks…at the hospital…on purpose.
What is the last good book you read? – My library has recently been overrun by children’s books, so I’m going to have to go with Skippyjon Jones, Lost in Spice. It’s a real nail-biter.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – By phone at (402) 697-5986, by email at matt.brockmeier@pinnbank.com, stop by our branch at 180th and Dodge, or visit our website at www.pinnbank.com.