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Our Team

Our Branch Manager

Eric Almquist

Branch Manager
NMLS #623826
Office: 402-933-1141
13340 California St, Suite 202,
Omaha, NE 68154
Licensed in Nebraska, New Hampshire, Kansas, Florida, Iowa, Arizona, Missouri, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Virginia.
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Growing up in a small farming community in rural Nebraska, I learned early on in life the value of a good work ethic and honest communication. I also think relationships are key to a successful business. I thrive to have great relationships with my employees and more importantly, every customer we help.

I stuck close to home after high school and attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney where I met my wife Coni. After I received my bachelors in business administration, with an emphasis in real estate, I began working for TransAmerican Appraisal where I obtained licensure as an appraiser and also became a real estate broker. I then moved to Omaha and worked for a consumer finance company.

The following year – 1997, I had the opportunity to join First National Bank as lender. I made this leap because I believe that purchasing a home is one of the most important financial decisions you will make. I wanted to help my customers navigate this process and prepare them for this new adventure by also giving them debt strategies to put them and their families in the best position possible. I enjoy using my knowledge from the different industries I was fortunate to be in to help educate my new and existing clients throughout the mortgage process.

My wife, Coni, and I reside in Gretna, Nebraska with our three children, MacKenzie, Madison, and Matthew. There is never a dull moment raising triplets. We find time to volunteer with many of the kids’ activities throughout the year. We enjoy our family camping trips, fishing, boating, and many other outdoor activities. My family continues to support my career, and we all work together to cultivate life balance.

Read moreFun Facts about Eric…

  • This may date me, but when we were dating and I lived in Omaha, Coni would drive to visit me and call me on her ‘bag phone’ when she was on her way!
  • If I weren’t a lender I would want to be a guide in Africa.
  • My proudest moment is when I became a father of TRIPLETS!
  • I have been in the mortgage industry for 25+ years.
  • I have two favorite colors — purple, because it was my high school color, and pink, because most guys shy away from it!

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Our Loan Officers

Rachel Pierce

Read my bioI grew up in a small rural community in central Illinois about 80 miles south of Chicago. I moved to the Omaha metro area in 2005. I currently reside in the beautiful Loess Hills in Glenwood, IA with my beautiful family, daughter, Nevaeh and my husband, John. I have 3 bonus daughters Andi, Sammie, & Steph and 5 grandchildren Taylynn, Josiah, Jakobe, Nora Jane & Indigo. We are grateful that my mother-in-law Irene is able to live close as well.

If you have never waited a tables, this is a job I think everyone should experience! I started out as a server at the age of 14 and did this until I was 32! During that time, I learned several things: listen, anticipate what people need before they know they need it, be kind, and provide excellent customer service. Those things create relationships and repeat clients.
Isn’t moving the worst?! Even when everything goes perfectly, moving can still be so stressful. Here’s what helps: knowing what to expect. I’ll educate you every step of the way to make this home buying experience as smooth as possible.

I am a patriot at heart and my biggest passion is helping Veterans and their families by helping them achieve the American dream of homeownership. I am also a proud supporter of the 50 Mile Marh Foundation.

I’m going through my first decade with the career I couldn’t imagine being without and I now see every day as an opportunity to meet a new client-soon-to-turn-into-a-friend and help someone find their next new chapter.

Best advice I have received:

Invest in yourself. You can afford it, trust me!
Invest in yourself. You can afford it, trust me!

Things you never knew about Rachel:

  • I went to High School in the smallest public school in the state of Illinois. I graduated with 18 in my class. I played softball and was a cheerleader!
  • I am a diehard Chicago Cubs & Bears fan!
  • My favorite food is anything sweet. I cannot resist chocolate. Plus I love TACOS, I mean who doesn’t love TACOS?!?!
  • I am a bonus mom to 3 amazing girls and 1 little girl of my own. And I am a bonus grandma! YEP! I was a grandma before I was a mom!
  • When I drink iced tea it makes me super amped up! I talk a million miles and minute, just ask my coworkers!
  • I enjoy reading and traveling!
  • I love the great outdoors. My family and I love trying new camping spots in Iowa, Missouri, & Nebraska.

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Loan Officer
NMLS #623836
Office: 402-933-1527
13340 California St, Suite 202,
Omaha, NE 68154
Licensed in Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Florida, and North Dakota.
visit my website

Apply Now

Meggan Jensen

Read my bioI was born and raised in Council Bluffs. After graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School, I pursued a double major in Marketing and Transportation and Logistics at Iowa State University. During my time at ISU, I recognized the significance of community involvement and actively participated in Greek Life as a member of Alpha Gamma Delta. Serving on various committees and volunteering, I had a blast during my 4 years-GO CYCLONES!

After ISU, I ventured to Kansas City…….let’s just say I took a scenic route to the mortgage world. I explored roles in copier sales, coordinated drivers nationwide as a dispatcher for a national trucking company, and even mastered the art of mixology as a bartender. In 2001, fate led me to the world of mortgages, and I began my journey with a Mortgage Broker in Kansas City. Returning to my roots in 2007, I brought my 8-month-old son, a love of BBQ, the Kansas City Chiefs, and a passion to assist others on their homeownership journey in my hometown. Joining Liberty Bank as a Mortgage Banker, I was warmly welcomed back into the Council Bluffs community, where the spirit of knowing our neighbors, supporting local businesses, and occasionally organizing a neighborhood block party or two prevails.

While helping hundreds of families in finding their first or forever home, it wasn’t until 2009, when I purchased my own home, that I fully grasped the essence of homeownership. As a single mother with less-than-perfect financial sense from college, I initially doubted the possibility. I did a number on my credit; what do you mean you have to pay back those credit cards? It has been through my own personal experience that yes life happens and sometimes you need someone in your corner to help in understanding credit, budgeting, what are the next steps to build wealth for your family, and that finding a home is more than just a place; it’s where family stories unfold, and you have a sense of belonging in the community.

Fast forward to today, I am a very proud mother of my incredible son, Bryson. Despite the challenges, including the inevitable teenage drama, he is the “Why” behind my passion for what I do every day. Our household also includes Artie, our ever-stubborn Chihuahua, who insists on daily snacks and attention. He is the real boss around our home. I navigate it all with a good dose of humor, numerous shots of caffeine, and the occasional emergency chocolate stash.

Most often I spend my time with my family and friends, actively supporting small businesses in the community. Come football season, you’ll find me cheering for my teams on Saturdays and Sundays – whether it’s the Cyclones or the KC Chiefs. I’m either celebrating touchdowns or consoling myself with a good book if the game doesn’t go as planned.

I have been a mortgage advisor for over 20 years and continue to learn and grow daily. Change is constant in this business, both professionally and personally. I was excited to join Benchmark in January of 2023. It’s wonderful to be a part of a team that genuinely cares about and supports each other, making the mortgage journey as enjoyable as possible for all our customers who become friends.

I don’t want to be just an expert in mortgages; it’s not only about transactions but also about building a community. I aim to be a partner in your unique homeownership story. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seeking a new chapter, or your forever home, I am happy to guide you in becoming a part of a neighborhood and community. We’ll be there with you every step of the way, educating and communicating. Looking forward to helping bring you HOME!

Best Piece of Advice:

“There is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs.”
― Zig Ziglar

Things you never knew about Meggan:

  • Oldest of 6 kids and the shortest of them all
  • I wanted to be a corporate lawyer when I was growing up
  • Chips, salsa, and Guacamole are the only food groups! I could eat this for every meal.
  • I met Tony Ganzalez at the Granfalloon in Kansas City and Carrot Top at a restaurant in Las Vegas

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Loan Officer
NMLS #521199
Cell: 402-630-6828
13340 California St, Suite 202,
Omaha, NE 68154
Licensed in IA, MO, and NE.
visit my website

Apply Now

We’re Elated To Hear From You!

We pride ourselves in being the best in the business. Our client-focused approach is a point of pride, and a major part of what has enabled our team to help many clients with a dream make their dreams into a reality.