Myra Rodriguez

“My first experience as a sponsor was so much fun!” says Franklin’s Myra Rodriguez. She’s talking about Melissa Baccash, now a customer assistance rep in our Customer Support Center. “She was eager to learn, and I was eager to train,” Myra says.

“Melissa even got her first referral during our time together,” Myra remembers. “It was an exciting moment for both of us!”

They have kept in touch as each has advanced — Myra from CSR to BOC and now to BOSM, and Melissa from CSR to BOC and now to the CSC.

Myra has been with North Shore Bank since 2007, and she became a sponsor in 2009. “I was always asking for more work, and my branch manager thought sponsoring would be a great experience for me,” she says. “She also thought I could pass along some of the tips I’d found helpful in getting referrals.”

“I like sharing the knowledge I’ve gained over the years and making a new employee feel comfortable enough to ask questions. And it’s an awesome feeling when you get a call or email letting you know someone has just gotten their first referral,” she says.

She admits that she tells sponsees from other branches to be aware certain things might be handled differently in their home office. “Every branch has its own way of doing things to some degree,” she explains.

Myra considers the sponsoring relationship mutually rewarding. “I have both taught and learned from new employees,” she says. “We tend to feed off of each other’s experience, even if it is not directly related to banking. I think the sponsoring experience makes you a better employee, adding to your experience, confidence and courage to move up.”

“Everyone loves Myra, including her customers,” says Franklin/Southridge Financial Center Manager Jennelle Bettinger. “Myra is always looking for ways to expand customer relationships while helping our new employees grow in their new position. She is very organized and does a great job explaining, articulating and showing her co-workers how to do things.”

“Myra is a great example of a customer-focused employee,” Jennelle adds. “Her positivity and gentle nature allow her to communicate effectively and grow relationships. Myra is a real asset to our team.”