The Vault by FNBO

FNBO

Banking. Finance. Community. Unlocked. Welcome to The Vault, a podcast by FNBO. In each episode, we unlock the ideas, stories, and innovations shaping personal finance, the banking industry, and the communities we proudly serve. Tune in for conversations that go beyond the numbers, exploring how FNBO is making a difference through financial insight and community-driven initiatives. *Member FDIC. - Podcasts are for informational purposes only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations. Podcasts are not regularly updated and information may become outdated.

  1. A New Chapter with Omaha Public Library Foundation

    Jun 18

    A New Chapter with Omaha Public Library Foundation

    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/. Member FDIC #TheVaultByFNBO #FNBO #OmahaPublicLibrary #OmahaPublicLibraryFoundation #OPL #OmahaCentralLibrary #PublicLibraries #ModernLibraries #Omaha #communityimpact 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

    27 min
  2. More Than a House: Building Stability, Hope and Community

    Jun 4

    More Than a House: Building Stability, Hope and Community

    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/ Member FDIC 0:00 - Introduction: Homeownership Month01:15 - The American Dream and Today’s Reality01:44 - Why the Housing Market Feels So Challenging02:57 - Identifying Barriers to Homeownership03:55 - How Habitat Prepares First-Time Homebuyers04:16 - Credit, Income, and Removing Barriers04:41 - One Homebuyer’s Path to Ownership05:40 - Down Payments and Low-Interest Support06:16 - Understanding Habitat’s Model06:26 - Stability Through Homeownership07:10 - Building Equity Without Having Everything Figured Out08:05 - Habitat’s Full Lifecycle Approach to Homeownership08:47 - The Pay-It-Forward Model09:29 - Clearing Up the Biggest Habitat Misconception09:51 - A Hand Up, Not a Handout10:32 - Homebuyer Coaching and Credit Support10:47 - Community Partnerships and Volunteer Support12:21 - Finding Your Local Habitat Chapter12:46 - Using Your Skills to Make a Difference13:28 - Amanda Brewer’s Service Journey14:50 - Leadership, Teamwork, and Community15:45 - Tiny Miracles That Bring the Work to Life16:25 - How One Neighbor Helped Rebuild a Street17:24 - Why Home Dedication Days Matter17:50 - What’s Next for Habitat Omaha18:14 - Sell Local: Keeping Homes Available for Homeowners19:12 - How to Get Started or Get Involved20:18 - Estate Planning and Passing Homeownership Forward21:11 - Final Thoughts and Resources

    23 min
  3. Inside World Trade: Global Banking, Local Impact

    May 21

    Inside World Trade: Global Banking, Local Impact

    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

    25 min
  4. Unlocking Small Business Success with Four Sisters Boutique

    May 7

    Unlocking Small Business Success with Four Sisters Boutique

    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 Vault00:16 - Why Small Business Month Matters00:43 - Meet Sarah Spooner01:09 - The Story Behind Four Sisters02:23 - Taking the Leap at 2603:34 - The Early Challenges of Entrepreneurship04:44 - Fear, Resilience, and Learning to Pivot05:54 - Building a Woman-Owned Business07:11 - The Four Sisters Customer Experience08:37 - Growth, Custom Products, and What’s Next10:05 - The Role of a Local Banking Relationship11:01 - Advice for Future Business Owners12:57 - The Behind-the-Scenes Reality of Ownership14:55 - Community Collaboration and Local Pop-Ups15:54 - Delegating and Building a Trusted Support Team17:01 - Social Media, Online Growth, and National Reach17:41 - Proud Moments as a Business Owner18:24 - Closing Reflections#TheVaultByFNBO #FNBO #SmallBusinessMonth #SmallBusiness

    20 min
  5. Building a More Sustainable Future

    Apr 23

    Building a More Sustainable Future

    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 Member FDIC 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

    20 min
  6. Unlocking Financial Clarity with Credit Advisors Foundation

    Apr 9

    Unlocking Financial Clarity with Credit Advisors Foundation

    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 FNBO00:21 - Meet Sam Hohman of Credit Advisors Foundation01:38 - What Credit Advisors Foundation Does03:28 - Financial Literacy vs. Financial Clarity05:31 - The First Step: Build an Emergency Fund07:22 - What To Do When Money Stress Feels Overwhelming08:31 - How Small Financial Decisions Snowball10:01 - Supporting Underserved Communities11:39 - How Credit Counseling Works12:07 - When the Bank Says “Not Yet”13:00 - A Real Story of Financial Turnaround15:43 - First Steps and Free Financial Education Tools17:02 - Why Your Credit Report Matters19:18 - What Services Cost and What’s Free20:19 - Debt Management vs. Debt Settlement22:32 - Final Takeaways on Financial Clarity Member FDIC

    24 min
  7. Building Community Through the Arts: Inside the Tenaska Center

    Mar 26

    Building Community Through the Arts: Inside the Tenaska Center

    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.  Member FDIC 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

    19 min
  8. Unlocking Agribusiness: Crops, Cattle and Costs

    Mar 12

    Unlocking Agribusiness: Crops, Cattle and Costs

    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. Member FDIC 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

    19 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Banking. Finance. Community. Unlocked. Welcome to The Vault, a podcast by FNBO. In each episode, we unlock the ideas, stories, and innovations shaping personal finance, the banking industry, and the communities we proudly serve. Tune in for conversations that go beyond the numbers, exploring how FNBO is making a difference through financial insight and community-driven initiatives. *Member FDIC. - Podcasts are for informational purposes only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations. Podcasts are not regularly updated and information may become outdated.

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