Meet Kristi Lyons, VP Home Lending Sales Manager at Lincoln Federal Savings Bank (Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender) (lincolnfed.com)

Tell us a little about your business (in your own words). – As a mortgage lender, we assist prospective homebuyers in making the American dream of homeownership a reality.

How did you get started in the business? – I started in 1999 as a part-time teller and worked my way up. Prior to being a mortgage sales manager, I held supervisor, personal banker, and loan officer positions.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Lately, the biggest challenge that our industry faces is affordability. The prices of homes are at an all-time high, and wages are not following that same trajectory.

Tell us a little about your family. – I’ve never had children, but I’m a cat mom to 2 fur-babies, Max and Thomas

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – The biggest turning point in my life was in 2006 when I moved to Omaha from my hometown of Falls City, NE. I didn’t know anyone other than the person that hired me for my job. Making the move to a larger city has introduced me to so many opportunities that I would have never been able to do, if I would have stayed in small-town America! I’ve met so many people who have become my chosen family!

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – If I’m off for an extended period of time, I love to go to the beach. And if it’s just for a day or two, I like to spend my time in my back yard, gardening.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Favorite Quote: Success is never owned, it’s rented, and the rent is due every day. Best Piece of Advice I’ve ever received: Always use a good facial moisturizer.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Fierce

If you could have a super power, what would it be? – I wish that I could predict the future.

Which talent would you most like to have? – I would love to be able to play the piano. I took lessons as a child, but gave it up, and now I’m kicking myself.

What is your favorite movie? – Pretty Woman

What is your favorite TV show? – American Idol

What is your favorite local Omaha restaurant? – Mai Thai

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – klyons@lincolnfed.com