My Bruning Bank Journey

Ken Mehlin
March 19 2026

I first met Fred Bruning grilling hamburgers at the Buffalo County 4-H Livestock Auction for the Buffalo County Bankers Association. Fred asked if I would be interested in talking to him about Bruning Bank. At first, I declined, as I was happy where I was employed. Over the next few years, the bank where I was working changed in a manner that I did not feel comfortable. I researched Bruning Bank to make sure it was a bank that aligned with my values and banking philosophy. I could tell quickly that we were a match. I called Fred and said I was ready to look at working for Bruning Bank-the rest was history. 

I have been fortunate to work for the Bruning Bank over the past eight years, mostly as the Chief Credit Officer. The values and culture of the bank have been exactly as I expected. In our Kearney location, we have had some employees with medical issues. The bank and the Bruning family have stepped up to help these employees in many ways. Every employer talks about supporting employees… Bruning Bank SUPPORTS employees! I have seen this time and time again across all locations.

Our goal is always to help customers Build and Maintain Wealth. This statement is the core of the decisions we make. Sometimes the decisions are hard, and some may disagree with the decisions, but we truly try to do what we believe is in the best interest of the customer. Having said that, we are human, and we do make mistakes. How we correct mistakes fairly helps define the bank’s culture.

I was fortunate to be named the successor to our current President and Chief Operating Officer, Jerry Catlett, when he retires in October 2026. The bank has been very successful under Jerry’s watch, with the guidance of the Bruning family. As I mentioned above, my values and philosophy match very well with the Bruning family and the bank. I do not plan to make very many big changes… why make big changes to a successful organization? Of course, we will continue to make necessary changes as the banking industry and the world we live in change. We will also continue to look for ways to be more efficient and improve the customer experience, so we further help customers Build and Maintain Wealth.

I look forward to the transition to President/Chief Operating Officer over the next several months. My challenge is to download Jerry’s knowledge into my brain. I don’t think I will have the capacity to hold all his knowledge, but I will do my best. I look forward to getting to know more of you over the next few months and years!

-Ken Mehlin, Chief Credit Officer-

“We may never understand His wisdom, but we simply have to trust His will.”

Sonny Manley
President
Hebron

“Be kind because everybody is dealing with something you know nothing about.”

Jim Scott
President
Broken Bow

“Part of attaining success is surrounding yourself with people that share the same drive, determination and direction that you want to achieve.  I feel the people we hire at Bruning Bank represent those assets and they strive to help our customers build, grow and thrive in business as well as personal endeavors.” 

Todd Clabaugh
President
Kearney

"You’ve heard this before, '50% of success in your life comes from just showing up, more precisely showing up on time and being there when you are supposed to be.' That does not apply only to financial success it applies to everything. Your persistence in being there and being present and engaged in your family, your church and your work/career, you don’t have to talk a good game to be successful, you need to do. If you show-up, you're half way there.  And when you show-up, help will be available to get you the rest of the way.  Thanks to all of you that show-up!" 

Jerry Catlett
President & COO
Bruning

“At Bruning Bank, we are about building relationships. If you walk through our doors, we want you to feel like family. Whether it is your first time in, or you are a long-established customer, we want your experience to be positive, insightful, and lasting. The people we employ are vital in this role and do an amazing job carrying out the values and mission established by the bank. I truly feel this is what sets Bruning Bank apart from other institutions.“

Luke Thorell
President
Holdrege