Kellman cites learning, growth in 20 years at NSB
Back in 2001, senior vice president consumer credit sales Mike Kellman didn’t know he was joining a company he’d still be with two decades later. But that fit with what he was looking for.

“I like stability,” he says. “I always hoped the jobs I had were long-term jobs. While you never know what is in store for you, I planned and expected to be with North Shore Bank for a long time.” Read more about his career here!

Mortgage Days are here again — here’s what to know
February is here, and with it, North Shore Bank’s annual Mortgage Days. Every year during this month, we commit to ensuring our customers and communities know they can come to us for lending tools, resources, and expert guidance, as well as competitive rates.

This year, a customer can qualify for a $200 discount by applying for a mortgage through northshorebank.com or a mortgage loan originator’s website. Customers can also get a $200 discount on closing costs by opening a new checking account before closing. And every customer will receive a $250 standard discount on closing costs, which can be combined with another discount. (Two discounts maximum per application.)

By now, branch managers and mortgage originators should have set up Skill Builder meetings for their teams, and scheduled one or two call parties for the first two weeks of the month. Each branch should have also received their marketing materials.

One North Shore Bank employee will win this year’s Mortgage Days individual grand prize for making the most successful referrals. You must get at least five referrals to qualify, and in the event of a tie, the prize winner will be selected by random drawing. The winner will get either a pair of Beats headphones or a golf foursome with SVP consumer credit sales Mike Kellman or VP consumer lending manager Chris Boland at Morning Star Country Club, including lunch for you and your two friends. Four branches will also each win a $100 prepaid card for having the most successful referrals in their respective region. (A branch needs a minimum five referrals to qualify.) •••

Mindful Minute: Learn to concentrate to restore balance

Every February, teacher Sharon Salzberg conducts a wonderful exercise called the Meditation Challenge, based on her book Real Happiness. The intent is to introduce folks to the practice of meditation by incorporating it into their daily lives. This month’s Mindful Minute columns will be based on excerpts from this challenge. Pat Ingelse is ready to get you started — read on!

Williams takes over at Milwaukee Capitol
New Milwaukee Capitol branch manager Mike Williams spent the previous nine years at Sprint, working in roles including store manager and spending his last two years as an operations manager. “I have no previous banking experience, but a lot of experience in sales and leadership,” he says.

“I love the culture of North Shore Bank!” Mike says, citing the “‘people-first’ atmosphere and focus on relationship building” found here. If he weren’t doing this, he says, he’d be looking at management consulting with a focus on organizational health. “I’m interested in helping leadership grow by growing their people positively.” Welcome aboard, Mike! •••

Promotions for January 2021
The following employees were promoted in January:

• Melissa Baccash was promoted from Customer Assistance Specialist to Call Center Supervisor.
• Jessica Dalba was promoted from Teller Supervisor at Wauwatosa to Staff Auditor at Corporate.
• Ed Hughes was promoted from Mortgage Loan Originator to Senior Mortgage Lender.
• Candice Sibila was promoted from Consumer Credit Adjustor to Senior Consumer Credit Adjustor.
• Nazirah Tate was promoted from Teller to Universal Banker at MLK Drive.

Leave a comment to congratulate them!

Co-workers celebrate Ramirez with drive-up shower

Sonya and her daughters’ father with the shower gift bags outside their home.

Co-workers celebrated Regency teller supervisor Sonya Ramirez’s pregnancy with a drive-up baby shower last month.

Colleagues dropped off presents at Sonya’s home, where gift bags were also waiting for them. She later opened the presents on Facebook Live.

“It made my heart feel so happy that I had my North Shore Bank family come out and support me when I really don’t have much family at all,” said Sonya, who is expecting twin daughters in March. Her best friend, video teller Lisa Gagliardi, organized the shower. “My friends from NSB are the best!” •••

New Hires for February 4
It’s always exciting to add new members to our team. Here are some of the fresh faces at North Shore Bank.

Mortgage loan assistant Angelica Padilla grew up in Milwaukee and lives in St. Francis. She previously worked as an international CSR for REV Parts, but that company closed its doors in October. “I have over 20 years in customer service experience, so I am very excited for this new opportunity,” she says. She enjoys watching sports, especially football and basketball. “My teenage son and my boyfriend are huge sports fans, so it’s always a great time when either basketball or football season come around — it brings out everyone’s competitive side,” Angelica says. “I have a newborn baby boy at home, so I am sure he will most likely be a sports fan as well.” •••