In his own words: Marcus Wertz of Greater Nevada

Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about Greater Nevada Credit Union.

Marcus Wertz: Greater Nevada Credit Union is a financial cooperative that has served northern Nevada for over 60 years. As northern Nevada's largest credit union, it has more than 49,000 members and $475 million in assets. Greater Nevada is open for membership to any resident of northern Nevada and offers a full range of deposit, loan and mortgage products for individuals, families and small businesses.

NNBW: What role do you play in the company?

Wertz: As the consumer loan manager, I lead a talented team of individuals in an effort to provide quality consumer loan products to the members we serve.

NNBW: How did you get into this profession?

Wertz: A college professor introduced me to a local credit union in Salem, Ore.

NNBW: What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for someone to succeed in this job?

Wertz: A successful candidate would possess strong leadership skills and exercise good decision making. A positive attitude will go a long way in developing strong relationships with co-workers and vendors.

NNBW: If you could have had any other profession what would it have been? Why wasn't it your first choice?

Wertz: Entrepreneur or small business owner.

NNBW: What do you like to do when you're not working?

Wertz: Outdoor activities (snowboarding, hiking, climbing, mountain biking and tennis.

NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?

Wertz: Research credit unions and the rich history of the movement.

NNBW: What person, living or dead, would you most like to have dinner with, and why?

Wertz: Perhaps Lewis and Clark would have some great adventure stories to share.

NNBW: Would you rather be younger, thinner, richer or smarter? Why?

Wertz: Smarter. I would be able to contribute more to my community and family.

NNBW:What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Wertz: Whatever fork in the road you decide to go down, don't look back.

NNBW: What do you like most about your job?

Wertz: I love making consumer loans to the members of our community.

NNBW: What do you like least?

Wertz: Seeing honest people suffer during these difficult economic times.

NNBW: What are five things you can't live without?

Wertz: Outdoor activities, family, coffee, the four seasons of the year and football season.

NNBW: If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why would you want it?

Wertz: I would like to be able to fly; I tend to be an impatient driver.

NNBW: What does the content of your refrigerator say about you?

Wertz: That I have an affinity for protein and carbs.

The basics:

Name: Marcus Wertz, consumer loan manager, Greater Nevada Credit Union

How long have you been in this job? Four months

How long in the profession? 10 years

Education: BS in business management

Best book you've read? Just finished "Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...One School at a Time" by Greg Mortenson and David Relin

What's on your iPod? Kings of Leon, Johnny Cash

The best movie ever? "300"

Spouse, kids or pets? Married to my wife Kristy for 9 years, daughters Annika, 4 and Alyx 1. Dogs Kira and Bodie