Nicole Keish

Downsizing can be devastating, but it also can open the door to growth and new opportunities.

Mequon CSR Nicole Keish was among 36 employees who lost jobs with U.S. Bank in December 2010. “I was without work for four months,” Nicole says. To help her get through it, Nicole’s dad hired her to help in his construction business. She learned to install drywall, lay ceramic tile floors, hang dropped ceilings, assist with plumbing and electrical work, and “fix whatever was broken,” she says.

“Before I came to North Shore Bank, it was the best job I ever had. I really enjoy physical labor and getting dirty,” Nicole says with a giggle. “It’s a lot different from being a teller.”

Construction now is a permanent second job for her. Besides the satisfaction of learning practical skills and earning extra money, Nicole enjoys her dad’s company. “My dad is my best friend. I love hanging out with him. He has been there for me through everything,” including the recent end of her seven-year marriage.

Family means a lot to Nicole. A vacation trip to Georgia for a family reunion four years ago continues to be a highlight. “I met so many relatives,” she says.

And it’s the sense of family — of team — that gives her daily job satisfaction. She brought 10 years of banking experience when she joined North Shore in May 2012, so she knew the importance of selling, of meeting incentive goals, and of providing superb customer service.

“Customers seem happier here,” Nicole says. “North Shore is more community focused. It’s nice to have time to get to know customers and treat them as a person, not just a number.”

She recalls a woman who was irate about low CD rates. “Instead of reacting in a defensive way, I politely asked her if she could give me a minute to look at her total accounts to see if there was a way for her to get a better rate. We found a solution she was satisfied with. She came in later to tell me how much she appreciated that I took time, was polite and treated her with respect. We both felt good about it.”

Since her first job at age 16 in the bakery department at Sendik’s, through her construction tasks, and now in her position at North Shore, Nicole has learned that courtesy, respect and giving people time are important in business — and in life.