Russell Trauernicht, Market President
402-866-4191
Russ grew up on his family's farm near Pickrell, Nebraska and graduated from Beatrice High School. He went on to attend the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, earning a bachelor's degree in Business Finance in 1981 and his degree in Education in 1989. Prior to joining FirstBank of Nebraska in 1991, he spent time working on his family's farm, selling insurance, and teaching high school business classes.
With more than 30 years of lending experience, Russ offers service you can trust and takes pride in being accessible to his customers when they need him most. Whether you’re buying a vehicle, house, farm or business—he is always just a phone call away!
Russ and his wife, Teresa, have three children, Ryan, Mitchell and Trey. Having raised his children in Sterling, Nebraska, he remains committed to the area and continues to be involved in many facets. Russ is currently serving as Treasurer on the Sterling District School Board. He has also been a member and officer of the Sterling Community Association, St. John's Lutheran Church and the Sterling School Foundation. Russ has volunteered his time as an EMT for the Sterling Rescue Squad, as well as a 4-H leader and youth sports coach.
Mandy Goracke, Vice President
402-866-4191
Mandy grew up on a farm near Chappell, Nebraska where she graduated and went on to obtain her bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. She began her career in banking in 2003 and now focuses primarily on residential lending where she has had over 11 years of experience in this area. She is knowledgeable about the different mortgage products available and will find the best loan to meet your needs. Most importantly, she values good customer service. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, a move-up buyer, downgrading for retirement or simply refinancing your existing loan, she will help you every step of the way.
She has been involved in a number of networking groups in Lincoln and since moving to Sterling in 2005 has become involved with the Sterling Community Association, St Mary's Catholic Church, the TeamMates mentoring program, and various events with Sterling Public Schools. In her spare time, she enjoys keeping busy with her husband Roy and their three children.
Kevin Wentz, Vice President
402-866-4191
Raised on his family’s farm near Sterling, Nebraska, Kevin graduated from Sterling High School in 1990. He went on to attend Doane College and obtained a degree in Business Administration. After graduating, Kevin worked for Information Technology, Inc. (FISERV) in Lincoln for a few years, and later returned to Sterling—helping to manage his family's construction and lumberyard business.
Kevin’s background offers a fresh perspective on lending. He takes pride in being able to put himself in the customer's position, and then work to put their mind at ease throughout the lending process.
Kevin is an active member of the Sterling Community Association, Sterling Volunteer Fire Department and Upper Big Nemaha Pheasants Forever Chapter. Kevin lives on an acreage north of Sterling.