For Cozad native Eric Zimbelman, Waypoint Bank was his way back home
After graduating from Cozad High School, Eric Zimbelman packed his bags and left for college. Nine years later, Eric’s back in his hometown – which is just the way he hoped it would be.
He just didn’t know he would be back in Cozad as a banker.
“My goal was always to move back to Cozad,” said Eric, assistant vice president for Waypoint Bank – Cozad. But when he started his studies at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, he was aiming for a career in the medical profession.
“I quickly learned that path wasn’t for me,” he recalled.
Having worked for a local farmer during his summer before college, Eric’s eyes were opened to the importance of agribusiness. He soon pivoted to get his degree in agribusiness at UNK. And with the guidance of his father – a longtime community banker in central Nebraska – Eric learned how he could merge that interest in agribusiness with a career in banking.
After a banking internship and completing his degree, Eric decided banking was his calling.
“I am able to work with local farmers and ranchers and be a part of agriculture,” he explained. “As a community lender, I also get the opportunity to help local businesses and consumers meet their financial goals.”
All roads lead to the 100th meridian
For his first job after college, Eric found himself in St. Paul – where, it so happens, Eric and his family had lived for seven years during Eric’s childhood. The banking business took Eric’s dad away from Cozad when Eric was four years old, and the Zimbelmans returned when Eric was 11.
Fortunately for Eric, St. Paul is where he met his wife-to-be, Lauren. “We knew all of the same people but never knew each other at a young age,” he said. “We instantly made a connection and got married three months later. We have now been married for over 8 years.”
Banking kept Eric and his new family on the move, leading to jobs in Ansley and Lexington. Then he learned of the opportunity to join Waypoint Bank – Cozad in 2021.
“I couldn’t pass it up,” he remembered. “The management/ownership of Waypoint Bank is unmatched. We are more than just a number. They treat their employees like family, and I knew this is where I wanted to be.”
Happy to be wearing many hats at Waypoint Bank – Cozad
Eric’s first role at Waypoint Bank – Cozad was as a loan officer, and he was promoted to assistant vice president early in 2023. But whatever his title, he keeps his hands in nearly all aspects of the business.
“I work with customers seeking ag, commercial and consumer loans,” he said. “I help them meet their financial goals. In a community bank, you have the opportunity to wear many different hats, and I enjoy working in lending as well as other areas of the bank outside of lending.”
Eric and his family – including three daughters, Addilynn, 7; Emily, 4; and Lily, 7 months – are settled and enjoying the rewards of living in a familiar place. He calls Lauren his “biggest cheerleader,” and credits her for making it possible to be back home again. “Between moving to new towns, taking on new jobs, and caring for our kids, she has been there every step of the way. We have now found our home and look forward to our future working in and raising our kids in Cozad.”
