I.T. (Inherited Technology)

Multi-colored Tech Background
April 5 2024

We have all inherited things from someone else. Genetics from our parents and ancestors, maybe belongings from a sibling or relative, or better yet, money, property, or a business. Some of these are great and we’re happy to receive them. Yet sometimes you inherit something you maybe don’t want or didn’t expect. The same works for technology and it was the case when I started at Bruning Bank.
So, what did I inherit when I started at Bruning Bank? Well for starters, I inherited a role that I maybe didn’t fully understand. A role full of responsibilities and accountability, and many, many hats. While I’m not a stranger to responsibility or accountability, I didn’t fully understand the magnitude of either associated with this role.
Which leads me to the next thing I inherited. A family. Starting a new job is like meeting your girlfriend’s parents for the first time, you’re never sure how it’s going to go. Overwhelmingly, Bruning Bank made me feel like family from day one. Fred and Jerry graced me with their patience and understanding and - Andy Hill, Chief Information Officer luckily, we have a bunch of awesome people who were able to pick up the slack in the interim while I was figuring it all out.
So, what else? I inherited a bunch of IT “stuff”. Hardware, software, vendors, auditors, and examiners. Being new to a role or situation is sometimes just what is needed. A new perspective, a fresh set of eyes. So, what have we done in the last two-and-a-half years?
* We have replaced underperforming hardware vendors with existing, trusted vendors of other services.
* We have reviewed contracts for services brokered by aforementioned vendors and are in the process of replacing those service providers with lower cost, more redundant providers.
* We’ve made investments in infrastructure to help us now and prepare us for the future. • We’ve made investments in upgrading end user devices to increase productivity.
* We’ve added and continue to add software solutions that both protect us as a bank and provide value to our customers.
So, all this is to say that no matter what you inherit- good, bad, or indifferent, make the best of it. I think that’s what we’ve done to this point and will continue to do moving forward.


- Andy Hill, Chief Information 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