Lauri Lunde marks four decades at the bank this month.

District manager Lauri Lunde celebrated 40 years of working at North Shore Bank this month.

“As with many good leaders, it’s easy to underestimate Lauri, because she puts the focus on her team and their accomplishments, and not on herself,” said VP branch sales Craig Witz. “Lauri is analytical and really watches the numbers to stay grounded in reality, and then she also understands the dynamics of working with people, and how to reach a person where they are and help them excel. She is ready to pitch in however she can to help her team. Besides all of that, Lauri is a great person — she is caring, down to earth, and genuine. There is no doubt she is on your side. She sees the humor in life and likes to enjoy doing what we do.”

Lauri was also recognized for her service to the bank last night at our annual awards ceremony. She talked to Shorelines about how the last five years have been. (You can read our 35th-anniversary interview with her too.)

How have the last five years been for you, professionally speaking? Any big challenges or major achievements?
The past five years have gone by so fast. One of the exciting changes has been the growth of the video teller area. We started with three team members in the department and one interactive teller machine, and now we’re up to 12 team members and 33 ITMs. This is very exciting, as we are able to deliver great service to our customers seven days a week with extended hours.

The best part of my job is still working with branch employees. Helping an employee to have better customer conversations or to develop skills that enable them to be promoted is so satisfying.

What do you remember most about your life when you joined the bank 40 years ago? What would you tell 1980 Lauri if you could tell her one thing?
When I started, the branches were full of customers from open to close. On Fridays, customers would be lined up out the door and in the street for the drive-up — we were open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and we’d take two lunch breaks. Interest rates for certificates were in the 20 percent range, and home loans were higher. To encourage customers to open certificates, we gave away premiums — like pots and pans, bowls, and small electric appliances. We actually had one person whose only job was handling inventory for the premium items.

I don’t know what I would tell myself in 1980. (Unless you talk about investing — then I would have done a few things differently, like buying Google or Microsoft stock!) But I’ve had a great career with North Shore, and I love the people I work with. Working here is like working with family. I wouldn’t change anything.