In this episode of The Vault by FNBO, Nathan Ewert, Senior Vice President of Personal and Small Business Banking at FNBO, discusses how choosing a local bank can make a meaningful difference to the communities where you live and work. With more than 30 years of banking experience, Nathan explains how local banks put deposits back to work by helping families buy homes, supporting small businesses and strengthening local economies. He also shares what sets community banking apart from larger national institutions, from local decision-making and personalized service to a genuine investment in the success of the communities they serve.

Nathan and host David Cota also discuss the important role bankers play in helping customers navigate life's financial milestones, whether opening a first checking account, purchasing a home or launching a business. Along the way, Nathan shares stories that demonstrate the value of trusted relationships, responsive service and local expertise, while reflecting on FNBO's commitment to giving back through volunteerism and community investment. Together, they show how choosing a local bank can create a ripple effect that benefits customers, businesses and entire communities.

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In this episode of The Vault, host David Cota sits down with Nebraska Volleyball Head Coach Dani Busboom Kelly to discuss her journey from growing up in Nebraska to leading one of the nation's premier volleyball programs. Busboom Kelly reflects on how her experiences as a player, assistant coach, and head coach have shaped her leadership style, emphasizing authenticity, consistency, accountability, and transparent communication. She also shares how Nebraska's culture and resources have helped create a stable, player-focused environment in an era defined by the transfer portal and NIL.

The conversation also explores what it takes to build a championship program, from recruiting athletes who genuinely love to compete to helping players embrace pressure without fearing failure. Busboom Kelly discusses managing the high expectations that come with coaching at Nebraska, preparing the team for a unique and challenging 2026 schedule, and the program's role in the continued growth of college volleyball. Throughout the episode, she reinforces that while winning is important, the ultimate goal is building a team that plays with joy, confidence, and a commitment to one another.

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Chapters

00:00 - More Than Wins and Losses
00:20 - Welcome to The Vault
01:07 - Danny’s Path Back to Nebraska
02:03 - Following John Cook’s Legacy
02:44 - Leading a Program She Knows Well
03:40 - From Setter to Libero to Coach
04:43 - Culture, Accountability and No Hierarchy
05:39 - Why the Team Has Stayed Connected
06:45 - How Trust Is Built Over Time
08:16 - Why Transparency Matters
09:52 - What Nebraska Looks for in Recruits
11:15 - Playing Without Fear
11:58 - Playing With Joy
12:41 - The Role of Multi-Sport Athletes
14:04 - NIL and Team Chemistry
16:30 - Handling High Expectations
19:13 - Why Discomfort Can Help a Team Grow
20:20 - Big Venues and Big Opportunities
23:02 - Volleyball’s Growing Moment
24:04 - What to Expect This Season
24:55 - Final Thoughts
25:17 - Disclaimer

In this episode of The Vault by FNBO, host Christina Kahler welcomes Adrienne Perry, CEO of the Omaha Public Library Foundation, to discuss the opening of Omaha’s new Central Library and the evolving role of public libraries in today’s communities. Adrienne shares her professional journey from Borsheim’s to the Foundation and explains how the organization supports Omaha Public Library’s 13 branches by funding programs, collections, technology, and community experiences beyond what public funding can provide. The conversation highlights how libraries have become much more than places to borrow books, serving as hubs for learning, connection, and opportunity.Adrienne also offers an inside look at Central Library’s development and early success, including more than 70,000 visitors and 38,000 books checked out during its first month. She describes the community-driven vision behind the project, which features innovative spaces for gathering, creating, and learning, including a makerspace, podcast studio, public art collection, and the library’s signature automated “Book Bot” retrieval system. Throughout the episode, Perry emphasizes the library’s role in promoting literacy, expanding digital access, and strengthening civic life, while sharing her hopes for continued community support and growth across the entire Omaha Public Library system.To learn more about the Omaha Public Library Foundation, visit https://www.omahalibraryfoundation.org/.

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Chapters

00:00 - Welcome to The Vault

00:09 - Why Public Libraries Still Matter

00:44 - Meet Adrienne Perry of Omaha Public Library Foundation

02:05 - Omaha’s Library System and Local Branches

03:40 - How the Foundation Supports OPL

04:36 - The Opening of Omaha’s Central Library

05:09 - Central Library’s First-Month Impact

06:10 - What Could a Modern Library Be?

07:32 - The Book Bot and Central Library Innovation

09:30 - Public Art, Coffee, and a New Library Experience

09:55 - Story Time, Symphony, and Family Programming

10:30 - Creative Technology, Podcast Studios, and Do Space

10:57 - Genealogy, Local History, and No Shushing

11:50 - Seed Library, Discovery Pass, and Surprising Benefits

13:06 - Makerspace Tools and Free Learning Opportunities

14:05 - Lifting Up Every Omaha Library Branch

14:32 - Community Support for Central Library

15:50 - Why Libraries Are Essential Civic Institutions

17:13 - Literacy, Equity, and the Digital Divide

18:09 - Libby, eBooks, and Digital Reading

20:25 - Book Club Bags and Shared Reading

20:53 - Adrienne’s Favorite Books and Current Reads

23:18 - A Memorable Opening Day Moment

24:15 - What Success Looks Like in 5–10 Years

26:04 - Closing Thoughts

In this episode of The Vault by FNBO, host Christina Kahler sits down with Amanda Brewer, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, to discuss the meaning of homeownership. Amanda shares how homeownership creates far more than a place to live, it builds stability, opportunity and long-term financial security for families and communities. Together, they explore the challenges many first-time buyers face today, including rising housing costs, credit barriers and down payments, while highlighting how Habitat for Humanity is helping people overcome those obstacles through education, coaching and innovative financing solutions.

The conversation also dives into the power of community partnerships and the evolving role Habitat plays beyond building homes, from home repair programs to financial education and neighborhood revitalization. Amanda reflects on nearly 30 years with Habitat for Humanity, sharing inspiring stories of resilience, volunteerism and the “tiny miracles” that happen when people come together with a shared purpose. Listeners will walk away with a renewed sense of hope, practical ways to get involved and a deeper understanding of how homeownership can transform lives for generations.

To learn more, visit: habitatomaha.org.

Help Habitat Omaha keep local homes in local hands, visit: https://habitatomaha.org/home-is-here-pledge/

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0:00 - Introduction: Homeownership Month
01:15 - The American Dream and Today’s Reality
01:44 - Why the Housing Market Feels So Challenging
02:57 - Identifying Barriers to Homeownership
03:55 - How Habitat Prepares First-Time Homebuyers
04:16 - Credit, Income, and Removing Barriers
04:41 - One Homebuyer’s Path to Ownership
05:40 - Down Payments and Low-Interest Support
06:16 - Understanding Habitat’s Model
06:26 - Stability Through Homeownership
07:10 - Building Equity Without Having Everything Figured Out
08:05 - Habitat’s Full Lifecycle Approach to Homeownership
08:47 - The Pay-It-Forward Model
09:29 - Clearing Up the Biggest Habitat Misconception
09:51 - A Hand Up, Not a Handout
10:32 - Homebuyer Coaching and Credit Support
10:47 - Community Partnerships and Volunteer Support
12:21 - Finding Your Local Habitat Chapter
12:46 - Using Your Skills to Make a Difference
13:28 - Amanda Brewer’s Service Journey
14:50 - Leadership, Teamwork, and Community
15:45 - Tiny Miracles That Bring the Work to Life
16:25 - How One Neighbor Helped Rebuild a Street
17:24 - Why Home Dedication Days Matter
17:50 - What’s Next for Habitat Omaha
18:14 - Sell Local: Keeping Homes Available for Homeowners
19:12 - How to Get Started or Get Involved
20:18 - Estate Planning and Passing Homeownership Forward
21:11 - Final Thoughts and Resources

In this episode of The Vault, host Diana Powell sits down with Michael Salerno, Vice President of Global Banking and Institutional Payments, to explore how global banking and international trade impact businesses, consumers, and local economies. Salerno shares how FNBO’s international banking team helps small businesses expand into global markets by providing payment solutions, foreign exchange support, fraud prevention, and trade finance tools like letters of credit. He explains that many Midwest businesses—from agriculture to manufacturing and technology—depend heavily on international trade, and that FNBO helps bridge the gap by giving smaller companies access to the same sophisticated global banking capabilities used by multinational corporations.The conversation also highlights the growing importance of risk management and transparency in international payments. Salerno discusses innovations such as SWIFT GPI, which allows customers to track international wire payments in real time and improve fraud prevention through stop-and-recall capabilities. The episode examines how global trade affects everyday consumers through pricing, supply chain disruptions, and job creation, while also emphasizing the opportunities international expansion creates for U.S. businesses. Through real-world customer examples, Salerno demonstrates how FNBO acts as a trusted advisor—helping businesses navigate currency fluctuations, avoid fraud, reduce costs, and confidently grow their operations across more than 170 countries worldwide.To learn more about Global Banking at FNBO, visit https://www.fnbo.com/commercial-banking/international-banking.Member FDIC#WorldTradeMonth #GlobalTrade #TheVaultByFNBO #FNBO #BusinessBanking

00:00 - Welcome to The Vault by FNBO00:30 - Meet Michael Salerno and FNBO’s Global Banking Team01:33 - What Global Banking Really Means02:30 - Why a Midwest Bank Has an International Team03:44 - Why World Trade Month Matters04:37 - How Global Trade Impacts Small Businesses06:02 - Helping Businesses Expand Internationally07:58 - Managing Risk in Global Payments08:16 - Tracking International Payments with Swift GPI10:07 - Currency Risk, Forward Contracts, and Predictability10:38 - How World Trade Affects Everyday Life13:16 - How Global Trade Impacts Jobs14:29 - Top World Trade Concerns for Businesses16:13 - How Currency Strategy Can Create Savings17:04 - Advice for Businesses Expanding Internationally19:24 - Protecting Businesses from International Fraud22:46 - FNBO’s Global Trade Capabilities Today23:49 - Closing Thoughts

In this episode of The Vault, host Melissa Siedlik interviews Sarah Spooner, founder of Four Sisters Boutique in Omaha, Nebraska, about her journey as a small business owner. Inspired by her grandmother and her sisters, Sarah spent three years planning her boutique before opening in 2015 at age 26. She discusses early challenges such as skepticism from others, difficulty securing a retail location, and learning how to navigate starting a business with limited experience. Through persistence, detailed planning, and support from professionals like accountants and bankers, she successfully launched and grew her store. Spooner also highlights the importance of adaptability, creative marketing through events and social media, and building strong connections within the community.Beyond retail, Sarah emphasizes her role as a mentor and leader, especially as a woman-owned business employing young women. She takes pride in creating a welcoming, ever-changing store environment, offering unique merchandise, and helping her employees develop confidence and professional skills. Looking ahead, she shares plans for expansion, including a presence in the Omaha airport and the growth of her wholesale venture, FSB Designs. Throughout the conversation, Sarah offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: plan carefully, stay passionate, be ready to work hard, delegate to trusted experts, and remain resilient. She ultimately reflects on the pride she feels in building a business that positively impacts both her customers and her team.To learn more about Four Sisters Boutique, visit foursistersboutique.com.To learn more about small businesses resources at FNBO, visit fnbo.com/small-business.Member FDIC00:00 - Welcome to The Vault
00:16 - Why Small Business Month Matters
00:43 - Meet Sarah Spooner
01:09 - The Story Behind Four Sisters
02:23 - Taking the Leap at 26
03:34 - The Early Challenges of Entrepreneurship
04:44 - Fear, Resilience, and Learning to Pivot
05:54 - Building a Woman-Owned Business
07:11 - The Four Sisters Customer Experience
08:37 - Growth, Custom Products, and What’s Next
10:05 - The Role of a Local Banking Relationship
11:01 - Advice for Future Business Owners
12:57 - The Behind-the-Scenes Reality of Ownership
14:55 - Community Collaboration and Local Pop-Ups
15:54 - Delegating and Building a Trusted Support Team
17:01 - Social Media, Online Growth, and National Reach
17:41 - Proud Moments as a Business Owner
18:24 - Closing Reflections#TheVaultByFNBO #FNBO #SmallBusinessMonth #SmallBusiness

In this episode of The Vault, host Amelis Long sits down with Tim Malik, Senior Director of Facilities and Property Management at FNBO, to discuss how the organization is working toward a more sustainable future. Tim outlines FNBO’s approach, which focuses on managing energy, water, and waste through a data-driven strategy developed over the past decade. That work led to three key goals set for 2035: achieving net-zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, reaching a 90% waste diversion rate, and reducing water consumption by 20%. Five years in, FNBO has already made notable progress, including a 55% reduction in emissions, major gains in waste diversion, and meaningful water savings.

The conversation also explores the initiatives behind this progress, including energy-efficient building upgrades, smart lighting and irrigation systems, and a redesigned waste program that emphasizes recycling and composting. Malik highlights the importance of innovation, partnerships, and employee engagement in sustaining momentum as the company grows. He also shares practical ways individuals can contribute, reinforcing that small, everyday actions like conserving energy and water can collectively make a meaningful impact.

To learn more about FNBO’s sustainability efforts, read our Impact Report: https://www.fnbo.com/community/impact-report

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00:00 - Intro: Building a More Sustainable Future00:48 - What Sustainability Means at FNBO01:20 - Why FNBO Set Sustainability Goals01:51 - FNBO’s 2035 Sustainability Goals02:40 - Progress So Far: Emissions, Waste, and Water03:23 - What That Impact Looks Like in Real Numbers04:37 - What Net Zero and Scope 1 and 2 Mean05:53 - How FNBO Reached 90% Waste Diversion09:02 - Why Water Reduction Is So Challenging09:51 - Building Upgrades That Improve Efficiency12:52 - Smart Irrigation and Smarter Landscaping15:14 - The Challenge of Growing While Reducing Waste and Costs16:17 - Why Sustainability Matters Beyond the Bank17:29 - Easy Sustainability Tips You Can Use at Home

In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, this episode of The Vault explores how to move from financial stress to “financial clarity.” Host Christina Kahler is joined by Sam Hohman, CEO of Credit Advisors Foundation, to break down three practical steps for taking control of your finances: gaining insight into your income, expenses, and credit, setting meaningful goals, and prioritizing the actions that move you forward. Together, they discuss common challenges like living paycheck to paycheck, lacking emergency savings, and the impact of everyday financial decisions.

Sam shares practical, judgment-free strategies to help listeners regain control—from starting with a small emergency fund to improving credit and avoiding common pitfalls like debt settlement traps. She also highlights the importance of open conversations about money, working with trusted partners, and understanding your options before problems escalate. Through real-life examples and actionable advice, this episode offers an encouraging, realistic path toward greater financial confidence and long-term stability.

To learn more about Credit Advisors Foundation, please visit  www.creditadvisors.org/ or call 1-866-966-7662.

00:00 - Welcome to The Vault by FNBO
00:21 - Meet Sam Hohman of Credit Advisors Foundation
01:38 - What Credit Advisors Foundation Does
03:28 - Financial Literacy vs. Financial Clarity
05:31 - The First Step: Build an Emergency Fund
07:22 - What To Do When Money Stress Feels Overwhelming
08:31 - How Small Financial Decisions Snowball
10:01 - Supporting Underserved Communities
11:39 - How Credit Counseling Works
12:07 - When the Bank Says “Not Yet”
13:00 - A Real Story of Financial Turnaround
15:43 - First Steps and Free Financial Education Tools
17:02 - Why Your Credit Report Matters
19:18 - What Services Cost and What’s Free
20:19 - Debt Management vs. Debt Settlement
22:32 - Final Takeaways on Financial Clarity

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In this episode of The Vault by FNBO, host David Cota sits down with Joan Squires, President of Omaha Performing Arts, to explore her journey in the arts and the evolution of one of Nebraska’s most influential cultural institutions. Joan reflects on her path from music educator to arts executive, sharing how she helped build Omaha Performing Arts from the ground up into a statewide leader that now serves hundreds of thousands annually. She discusses her leadership philosophy—centered on high standards, adaptability, and strong teamwork—and highlights the importance of arts education, community investment, and creating shared experiences that bring people together in meaningful ways. 

The conversation also spotlights the newly opened Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement, a transformative addition to Omaha’s arts landscape. Designed to expand access to arts education, the center offers a wide range of programs—from Broadway masterclasses and dance workshops to early childhood and community-based initiatives. Squires emphasizes how the facility addresses growing demand while strengthening community connections through creative expression. Looking ahead, she envisions continued growth, innovation, and expanded reach, reinforcing the role of the arts in enhancing quality of life, fostering economic impact, and making Omaha a vibrant, culturally rich destination. 

To learn more about Omaha Performing Arts Tenaska Center for Arts engagement, please visit https://o-pa.org/tenaska. 

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00:00 - Meet Joan Squires
01:45 - From Music Teacher to Arts Leader
03:05 - Starting Omaha Performing Arts
04:28 - OPA Today and Its Growing Impact
05:20 - Leading with High Standards
06:39 - Why the Tenaska Center Was Needed
07:50 - Programs for Kids, Families, and the Community
09:01 - The Role of Tenaska and Other Community Partners
10:27 - The Power of Shared Arts Experiences
12:25 - Arts, Workforce, and Economic Impact
13:26 - How Families Can Get Involved
14:08 - Community Day Preview
14:51 - Looking Ahead for OPA
16:29 - Future Plans and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Vault, host Amelis Long speaks with Barry Benson, Vice President, Agribusiness Banking at FNBO. Barry shares key insights about the U.S. agriculture industry, noting that about 90% of farms are family-owned and many span multiple generations. He highlights the role of corn across thousands of everyday products and discusses current conditions in the cattle industry, where the U.S. cow herd is at a 70-year low due to drought and shifting land use. With strong consumer demand for high-quality beef and limited supply, prices have risen, and rebuilding the herd will take several years due to the long production cycle.

The conversation also explores the challenges facing row crop farmers in 2026, as high input costs for seed, fertilizer, and labor collide with declining grain prices. Barry explains how producers are managing through these pressures by closely controlling costs and exploring new market opportunities. He also shares how FNBO supports agricultural customers with financing, cash management, and insurance solutions to help maintain stability through industry cycles. Despite current headwinds, the outlook for several sectors remains positive, underscoring the resilience and innovation of America’s farming families.

To learn more about FNBO and our Agribusiness Banking, please visit our website, fnbo.com/commercial-banking/agribusiness or our 2026 Agricultural Outlook.

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Podcasts are for informational purposes only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations. When making decisions about your financial situation, consult a financial professional for advice. Podcasts are not regularly updated and information may become outdated.

Chapters

0:00 - Welcome to The Vault Podcast

0:26 - Barry Benson on Agribusiness

0:49 - U.S. Farming Facts and Trivia

3:03 - Beef Prices and Cattle Supply

6:12 - Row Crop Costs and Margins

8:14 - Why Food Prices Are Higher

10:16 - Interest Rates and Farm Planning

12:14 - FNBO Agribusiness Solutions

14:16 - 2026 Agriculture Opportunities

15:24 - Protecting the Family Farm

17:18 - National Agriculture Month

18:20 - Agribusiness Closing Thoughts