Duane Bavlnka, left, accepts 35-year service anniversary congratulations from President and CEO Jim McKenna.
Duane Bavlnka refers to his first position with North Shore Savings and Loan Association 35 years ago as that of “general gofer”; he processed mail, made interoffice deliveries and ordered supplies.
He soon became a teller and new account rep, and by fall of 1975 he was helping to train new branch managers on the teller system.
Then Duane really began to move, from both a geographic and a career perspective. He first went to the Southwest office as assistant branch manager, and a year later (1977) to Waukesha as branch manager.
By 1980 he was off to Wauwatosa, where in addition to being the branch manager, he became security officer. He returned to Southwest in 1982 as branch manager.
Duane served as operations manager from 1983 to 1991 a function eventually called customer support services. He transferred to the Mortgage Loan Department in 1991 to become mortgage operations manager, and he became compliance officer in 2002, a position he still holds. Although he is a corporate officer, Duane works out of our Sturgeon Bay East office.
His responsibilities include monitoring changes in consumer banking laws and regulations; assisting with employee compliance training; and reviewing products, policies and procedures for compliance with federal and state banking regulations. Consider Duane a researcher and resource center for any North Shore Bank compliance-related issues.
“Although many bank employees do not necessarily agree with me, my mantra has been ‘Compliance is FUN!’” Duane says. He adds, “The last few years of dealing with compliance regulations have been very challenging; however, with support from bank management and cooperation by employees throughout the organization, the challenges have not caused a reversal of my mantra.”
Expansion of branches — from three to 44 — and of products has marked Duane’s 35 years with North Shore. “Only first-mortgage loans were available in 1975, and we now of course offer vehicle loans, personal loans, home equity loans and many types of consumer and business loans,” he notes.
Commenting on his longevity, Duane reflects, “I’ve always said that if I stopped learning, I would consider leaving the bank. It hasn’t happened. The continual changes and evolution of the industry and the bank itself provide for constant learning opportunities.”
“Will I be here for another 35 years?” Duane asks with a smile. “I don’t plan on it, but the first 35 years certainly have been good to me.”
This seasoned and successful banking professional offers these words of advice to the new kids on the block:
• Take every opportunity to learn.
• Realize that you are your best supporter.
• Allow yourself to grow. If obstacles get in the way, move them or move around them, but do not allow the obstacle to stop you.
• Have fun at what you do. Smile. Be silly now and then.
If these words of wisdom result in a career that brings the rewards and satisfaction Duane is experiencing, they’re well worth heeding.