MEMBER SPOTLIGHT First National Bank


BY DEREK RAYMENT Contributing Writer


Committed to Nebraska, born in


Nebraska and thriving in Nebraska. First National Bank’s history matches that description, and their recent addition to the Nebraska Trucking Association exemplifies their belief in keeping Nebraska companies like theirs going strong. Founded in 1857 by two brothers, Herman and Augustus Kountze, First National Bank has grown to become the nation’s fifth largest agricultural lender and has been named one of Forbes Magazine’s Best Banks in America. “First National Bank is proud to be a


family owned, privately held organization based in Omaha. We embrace our Midwestern roots and value giving back to the communities we serve,” said Nathan Johns, Vice President of the Commercial Banking Group at First National Bank. At the bank, Johns is the Commercial Relationship manager. He works with local businesses by partnering with them to provide customized financial solutions to help them reach their goals. Like many members, First National


Bank’s Nebraska roots run deep. One of their founders, Herman Kountze, was instrumental in the development of the Omaha Stockyards in South Omaha, a key cog in the boom of transportation in Nebraska. The Omaha Stockyards was home to the Livestock Exchange Building and thousands of cattle brought to the area by tractor trailer and train. At one point, the Omaha Stockyards were the third largest livestock market and meat packing center in the mid-20th Century. “Transportation and logistics is important to the future of America. Consumers have


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grown accustomed to receiving their goods within a short time period. This expectation is partially due to the efficiencies gained within the logistics and trucking industry,” said Johns. “Being able to get goods where they need to be when they need to be there is a core principal in the industry.” The bank’s founding brothers are of


German descent, something common in Nebraska and throughout the Midwest. Herman’s brother Augustus was born to be in the financial business. He was named Treasurer of the Nebraska Territory during the American Civil War. After the war he was named Treasurer of the State of Nebraska, once the territory ended its status and officially joined the union as a state. During that time span, Augustus was appointed by President Abraham Lincoln to the Board of Directors for Union Pacific Railroad. He was heavily invested in the transportation industry, holding the position of president at a small railroad company known as Fitchburg Railroad. The brothers were so deeply invested in railroads that the town of Kountze, Texas was named after the family. Augustus also was influential in Union Pacific Railroad’s development in Omaha, having not only served on the board but serving as government director of the company and ensuring the large company stayed based in Omaha. The legacy of Augustus continues to this day in Nebraska with not only First National Bank, but through his philanthropic work with the Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church on 26th and Farnam streets in Omaha. First National Bank carries on the


tradition of helping Nebraska grow its economy and businesses. The company is currently in its sixth generation of family ownership and boasts itself as one of the


Nathan Johns, VP of Commercial Banking


largest family-owned holding companies in the United States and one of the largest privately owned banks. Going back to their founding, First National Bank prides itself on being pioneers in their industry, much like the Kountze brothers were pioneers of the West and in business. The company has stayed true to their Nebraska roots, highlighted by their construction of the First National Tower in Omaha. The 633-foot building is one of the largest in the Midwest and the tallest in the state of Nebraska, making it a beacon for business. Headquartered at 1620 Dodge Street in Omaha, the company’s executive management team consists of presidents and vice presidents throughout their service area. Daniel K. O’Neill serves as the president of First National Bank. O’Neill brings more than 30 years of banking experience to the table and has been at the company since 1981. He also brings valuable experience from the United States Air Force. First National Bank is also staffed by seven executive vice presidents in areas of banking, legal, risk and compliance, finance and investments. First National Bank also operates with a board of directors, made up of management, stockholders and others. The role of the board is to guide the company’s future growth and maintain their mission of integrity, respect and passion. In the company’s history, they have had 13 presidents, including O’Neill. First National Bank has $20 billion in assets and roughly 5,000 employees.


NEBRASKA TRUCKER — ISSUE 5, 2016 — www.nebtrucking.com


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