On April first of this year, I was fortunate enough to be named the next President of the Bruning Bank Holdrege location. It is an honor and a privilege to be trusted to lead such an amazing location that is part of an overall great organization rooted in agriculture, helping business grow and thrive, along with improving the wellbeing of the communities it serves.

The Holdrege location opened in August of 2009, and I was lucky enough to arrive in September of that same year. Our location started out in a strip mall retail unit until we were able to move to a temporary building at our current location. The bank building was completed in December of 2010, and we have called it home ever since. In 2022 we added on 1,700 sq. feet which included five offices, a testament of our commitment to serving the community and surrounding areas for years to come.

While John Boehler, previous location President for the last 13 years, is slowing down he is not going away. He can still be found right when you come through the door but will be taking more time off to spend with grandkids and on hobbies. Kyle Anderson is serving at a senior level position as our Senior Executive Commercial Lender and will also remain a pillar of the location although he has companywide duties. Both men have been monumentally instrumental in helping me grow into the banker and person I am today.

We have an amazing staff that provides excellent customer service with a personalized touch that I feel is hard to find anywhere else. From processing a transaction, opening a checking or savings account, or booking a loan, we strive to offer unparalleled service and build a relationship with each customer. We have a great facility to conduct business, but the foundation of our bank are our great employees. As the late Frank Bruning said when asked about his employees, “We hire happy people and then teach them to read and write.”

As this transition continues, I know that I will have much to learn, and I look forward to the challenge that this new position requires. I would also like to thank everyone for the kind words of congratulations and encouragement along with the Bruning Bank family for trusting in and affording me this opportunity. Lastly, I would like to thank you, our customers, for believing in and allowing us to help you build, grow, and thrive!

- Luke Thorell, President- Holdrege