Jim Orlikowski has banking in his blood. After 30 years in the lending industry, including a year with his own business, he said he can’t think of anything else he’d rather do. Except maybe hit the open road on his motorcycle, a hobby he picked up during a midlife crisis more than a decade ago. Now, a month into his new position at MetaBank as vice president and residential lending manager, he feels he has finally found a place where he can enjoy both of his passions.

How did you end up in Des Moines?

I owned my own company prior to coming here. I opened that up about a year ago, but the timing just wasn’t the best with the interest rate environment going the way it was. So I talked to a professional recruiter who recommended MetaBank. They had this opening and I came down and interviewed.

Where were you living previously?

La Crosse, Wis. Well, near La Crosse, since we lived out in the country.

What first attracted you to the banking industry?

I’ve been in this business for more than 30 years. Right out of school, I started as a teller, and it was just a natural progression. Six months later I got into the mortgage lending side of things, and I just really enjoyed that. Over time, it just gets into your blood basically. I always loved it and just stayed with it.

Where did you work before owning your own company?

I worked with First Financial, which was headquartered in Wisconsin until 1987. They were probably worth about $4 billion when I left there. I basically got my start and grew up in the business there. A former supervisor of mine became president of a company called Community Savings and Loan. I worked for them opening offices in a couple cities for about nine months. After that, I took a job as a loan officer at First Federal Savings and Loan in La Crosse. Eventually I became the residential lending manager, which I served as until I left in 2004, when it was sold to a larger bank.

Do you miss being your own boss?

When I started, I thought it would be extra special owning my own company, but I’ve always worked as if it was my own business anyway. So it didn’t really feel that much different. I was actually really surprised at that. There are pluses and minuses to owning your own business, but I have always worked hard at every company I’ve worked for.

What is the best part of your job?

You’re helping people with the largest investment they’re going to make in their lives. And you get to know people really well. It’s very rewarding to help people, especially with a first-time homebuyer.

How do you like Des Moines?

My wife and I love it. We were pleasantly surprised with Des Moines. We had never been to Des Moines before, so when I came down to interview we spent a couple of days here, and it was very nice. For a larger city, it’s still got the small-town atmosphere. People have been unbelievably friendly here everywhere you go. Just great people. There is always a little apprehension when you’re picking up and moving to a new place, but it just felt like such a good fit.

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?

I can’t really say there was one. I try to make the best out of all of them. I’ve done gardening, yard work, I’ve been a newspaper boy and all the way through the lending business. Even the worst has been pretty good.

So you’ve gotten off pretty easy, then?

I’ve just been very fortunate.

Where would people find you on the weekends?

In the summer, they’d find me on my motorcycle somewhere. I like to do motorcycle touring with my wife.

How long have you been interested in motorcycles?

Since 1998 when I bought my first one. It’s a ’98 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic.

What inspired the purchase?

My brothers always had motorcycles, and I never had one. So I guess it was a little bit of a midlife crisis. I just really enjoy it. It’s a really great stress reliever. There are others in this bank that ride. Our bank president has a Harley. So we’ve got quite a bit in common already.

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Be yourself. Always do the right thing, even if it’s not popular. And my dad always taught me to be honest and straightforward.