Meet Zach Baedke, senior banker at Cornhusker Bank (cornhuskerbank.com) in Omaha.
Tell us a little about your business. – Cornhusker Bank is a full-service community bank serving the Greater Omaha and Lincoln markets since 1903. As senior banker, my focus is growing and deepening client relationships in the Greater Omaha area. We value trusted relationships, and we will always be committed to your success!
How did you get started in the business? – After graduating with a degree in marketing and public relations I started as a teller at a local Omaha bank and my passion for helping people has helped me progress and be a vital piece to the growth of Cornhusker Bank in Omaha.
Tell us a little about your family. – I was lucky enough to meet my rockstar wife, Emilie, over 15 years ago when we both ran cross country and track in college. Now we are busy with our two boys, Cayden (eight) and Cooper (one and a half), and we are expecting a baby girl any day now. We also have a wild and crazy, happy go lucky nine-year-old golden retriever named Archer.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I am a big advocate for staying active not just for physical benefits, but for mental wellness – running, biking, hiking. I cherish spending time with my kids and showing them the joys of exploring outdoors. I also love to play guitar, so if I get the chance, I turn it up to eleven. “Eleven, exactly, one louder” – Spinal Tap.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I teach guitar on the side, and I love sharing the power music can have.
Who inspires you? – I grew up in Fremont and my high school cross country coach showed me what is possible when you put in the work and show up every day. We won state cross country three of my four years. It helped me realize I can be a role model, mentor and a leader.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Mark Twain said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Dependable.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Time traveling.
Which talent would you most like to have? – Surfing; there are not many opportunities to do that in Nebraska.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – The Stephen Center is such an amazing organization run by incredible people who I consider to be real-life heroes.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – I listen to a lot of Audible when I’m out running and recently, I finished The Storyteller by Dave Grohl and Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. I recommend both highly!
What is your favorite TV show? – I’m up to speed on kid shows, our family go-to is Bluey. We also watch Goldie and Bear, Tumble Leaf, Phineas and Ferb, Shaun the Sheep and my favorite – Pete the Cat.
What is your favorite local Omaha restaurant? – I’m a huge fan of breakfast and we frequently go to Le Peep and First Watch. When my eight year old is choosing, it’s burgers, Red Robin or Omaha Tap House.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so (phone/email/business website)? – Zach.Baedke@CornhuskerBank.com; (402) 671-0212. Also make sure to follow Cornhusker Bank on our social media accounts (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) to stay up to date on what is going on at the bank and see what sets us apart from other financial institutions!