SOAR TOGETHER TRIBUTES

SOAR Award winners recognized for service to bank, community

By Molly Schissler, Chief HR Officer

North Shore Bank is pleased to announce the annual SOAR Award winners for 2024. Winners are nominated by their colleagues for their exceptional commitment to our customers, our communities, and our company.

Outstanding Service

• DeDe Krause, Travelling Associate Banker
• Morgan Stark, Human Resources Specialist

Community Involvement

• Cristen Baumann, District Manager
• Jolene Cedeno, Branch Manager, Union Grove

Legacy Leader

• Kerry Carrasco, Residential Loan Service Manager
• Ava Howland, Associate Banker, New Berlin

Possibility Thinker

• Jason Roloff, Information Systems Infrastructure Specialist Lead
• Caitlin Maloney, Assistant Branch Manager, Pulaski

Here are excerpts from their nominations:

DeDe Krause: DeDe offers every customer a warm smile when they come to the bank. She consistently goes the extra mile by sitting down with the customer to work through their needs. She constantly offers support to her coworkers by making herself available to aid in an issues that arise. DeDe looks at the whole person and their situation when suggesting products and services. DeDe will take the time to find the answers, research what she is not sure on, and reach out to those who have that knowledge. Her attention to customers is unmatched. DeDe helps so many people every day with grace and respect. She truly is “The Bank of You”. ~ nominated by Nicole Goska, Teller, Green Bay East

Morgan Stark: When I think of outstanding service a company provides, I’d want someone like Morgan to be the first impression people get. She lives and breathes our company vision of providing superior service to anyone she comes in contact with. Whether over the phone or in person, her positive demeanor shines. Need help with a project? She’s your gal. Always willing to take it on with no complaints. She always delivers impeccable results! Thank you, Morgan, for being the best colleague anyone could ask for. Your awesome service is invaluable to customers, colleagues and North Shore Bank! ~ nominated by Milene Below, VP, Training & Internal Communications Manager

Cristen Baumann: She is passionate about impacting her communities through service, particularly at the board level. Cristen’s service includes organizations within both her home community, and communities she covers as a District Manager for the bank. On the home front, she is treasurer for the middle school PTA, where she actively volunteers for events. Cristen also channeled her passion for our four-legged friends into long-term service to the Elmbrook Humane Society, serving as an executive board member for 6 years. Both education and financial literacy are important to Cristen as well, leading to participation in advisory boards for Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) and Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). ~ nominated by Craig Witz, VP, Branch Sales Manager

Jolene Cedeno: Jolene Cedeno has done a remarkable job of being heavily involved in the Union Grove community. The Graham Public Library has partnered with North Shore Bank of Union Grove to present a financial literacy program for teens, young adults, and anyone who wants to be better with money.Jolene volunteers her time after hours to teach people foundational practices for long-term financial success and stability. Her dedication to teaching and community is remarkable. Jolene is also the first person in my district to help at a community event, either wearing the Seymour costume or helping run a booth and promoting North Shore Bank. ~ nominated by Brian Bozek, District Manager

Kerry Carrasco: With Kerry’s many years of experience, she consistently demonstrates her knowledge of the Fiserv Mortgage System, North Shore Bank’s mortgage products, compliance regulations, and leadership to her staff. My observations, from outside her department, is that she provides an excellent example to her staff and guides them in providing quality service to our customers and always in a calm manner. I have worked with her in the past couple of years on some corporate projects for automation and efficiency. Her input has been invaluable to their success and implementation and she leads her team in transitioning to and embracing these new processes that are very important to North Shore Bank and keeping us compliant. Kerry’s abilities, experience, work ethic, and dedication makes her very deserving of this award. ~ nominated by Ron Olson, Process Risk Analyst

Ava Howland: Ava embodies all the best qualities that North Shore Bank’s customers have come to expect from our bank. Qualities like being knowledgeable, friendly, hard- working, and going the extra mile. Being a part-time employee, she gives 110% every hour she’s working. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone throughout the bank that has interacted with Ava and had a bad experience. Her wit and wisdom have made a positive impression on those who’ve been lucky enough to work with her. Ava is competitive, kind, generous, and also humble about how amazing she is. ~ nominated by Sara Swosinski, Branch Manager, New Berlin

Jason Roloff: Jason approaches every conversation, issue, new technology, etc. with an open mind, focusing on how we can improve our environment, help our users, which then benefits our customers. He has improved processes within IT several times, saving hundreds of hours of work. He is a very solution-oriented thinker, going through various scenarios until he gets the proper process in place. He continually looks for ways to improve our security posture. His co-workers go to him to bounce ideas around and he usually comes up with a way to help and improve a situation. I have yet to present an idea or discuss an issue with him where he doesn’t offer a solution or at least is willing to work through his ideas. ~ nominated by Dana Scherff, VP, Information Systems

Caitlin Maloney: Caitlin’s ability to approach situations with a positive, solution-oriented outlook helps her build trusting relationships and offer the best possible customer and employee experiences. Referring to her office as the “Solutions Room,” Caitlin consistently demonstrates the “way we do business” in her interactions. She embraces the uncommon sense mindset and thinks outside the box to problem solve and provide positive outcomes for customers and employees. Caitlin proactively dedicates time to coach and mentor team members to strengthen product knowledge and confidence in conversations. Caitlin seeks opportunities to make new connections and partnerships in the community. ~ nominated by Katie Longsine, Community Engagement Manager and Area Branch Manager

Congratulations to all the SOAR Award winners!

 

RETIREMENTS

Lunde to retire after 43+ years with North Shore Bank

Dee Patel promoted to District Manager position

When Lauri Lunde applied for a job as a teller with North Shore Bank shortly after graduating high school in 1980, she had no way of knowing that it was the first step toward her lifelong career. After more than 43 years of service, she is retiring on Monday. 

Lauri took business classes in high school, and a teacher of hers mentioned that she thought Lauri would be good in finance. Lauri’s then-boyfriend’s mother (who would become her mother-in-law!) worked at North Shore Bank and suggested Lauri apply for a teller opening just months after graduation. Lauri was hired at the Westgate branch in Racine and immediately loved the job.

“I liked the people I worked with (including her future mother-in-law) and I liked the interactions with customers,” she said. 

Over the years she was a loan secretary, then moved to the former Regency Mall location (now closed) as a banker. She ultimately became a branch manager, then filled a hybrid role of half district manager, half business banker, and then was promoted to District Manager. 

Due to technological advances, the day-to-day workings of the bank have changed numerous times in her long career, but Lauri has always been able to roll with it.

“The biggest thing is being able to adapt to the changes,” she said. “From when I started to today, the changes are unbelievable. When they came out with the TYME card, people could go to a machine and get cash out. And the change in how computers work, and you have online access. I think about all the binders we used to have with policies and procedures!”

Lauri credits her co-workers and customers, as well as Executive Chairman Jim McKenna, who was in charge when she was hired, for making her time at North Shore Bank so fantastic. “To be here this long and still loving it, it’s bittersweet,” she said. “Everybody knows everybody. It’s just like family. I’ll miss the customers, too, however, some customers are now friends and I see them all the time.”

Helping customers and always operating in their best interest have been Lauri’s top priorities over the years. “Do the right things and success will come,” she said. 

Craig Witz, VP Branch Sales Manager, said Lauri will be greatly missed. “She always has everyone’s best interest at heart, and she’s easy to get along with and to get to know,” he said. “She has the amazing ability to both uphold the ideals of what we strive for while recognizing the realities of branch life. She doesn’t see barriers, but asks how do we cross the hurdles. She is highly respected and highly liked.”

District Manager Kerri Collins agrees: “Lauri has been a wonderful peer, mentor, and friend over the years. Lauri has a no-nonsense, calm approach when working with her teams, and her cheerful attitude is admired by everyone that has had the pleasure of working with her. She will be dearly missed by so many, but her contributions to North Shore Bank will live on in all of those she impacted throughout the years.”

Dee Patel will fill Lauri’s position. “(Dee’s) going to be fantastic, she’s great,” Lauri said. 

Dee started with North Shore Bank as an Area Manager in June 2020, overseeing two branches in Illinois that were ultimately consolidated into one, the McHenry branch. She also oversaw the video bankers.

She started working closely with Lauri in January to prepare for the transition to her new role. “Lauri has been awesome, training me, coaching me, and guiding me,” she said. “It’s been an easy transition because Lauri was there with me throughout. I’ve learned a lot from her.”

Dee is excited to learn from the managers she’ll work with and is grateful for the warm welcome they’ve shown her.

Craig said Dee has “great energy and enthusiasm” that she’ll bring to her new role. “Dee brings a ‘what’s possible’ approach and is very action oriented. She is also so positive and energetic that you can’t help but smile when you work with her. She is such an asset to our team,” he said.

After Monday, Lauri is looking forward to more time with her kids and her first grandchild, 8-month-old Evy, and traveling to golf with her husband, Jeff. They plan to get an RV to see the country, head to warmer weather in the winter, and enjoy lots of good golfing. 

Congratulations on your retirement, Lauri, and congratulations to Dee!

 

Green retires from ‘best job I’ve ever had’

Green’s role transitions to Joel Leibengood

Reflecting on his 17 years with North Shore Bank, Investment Consultant Ted Green says it is the bank’s culture and the people that he will miss the most in retirement. Green’s last day is Friday.

“My co-workers and the bank customers” will be missed, Ted said. “North Shore is very client-oriented. We provide a level of service that seems rare today. It’s a great environment, and the people make it the best job I’ve ever had.”

He thanked his “witty, bright, and dedicated” co-workers for making his job such a pleasure.

Erika Milosevich, North Shore Investment Services, CFP-Vice President and Program Manager, said Ted is respected by all and will be missed. “Ted is a great guy and has been a valued co-worker and asset to the bank and his customers,” she said. “He was always willing to pitch in and help.”

Recently Ted has been introducing his clients to Joel Leibengood, who will take over their accounts. Ted said the transition has gone seamlessly, and he’s glad his clients will be in such good hands. “Joel is great! I’ve introduced him to my clients and they seem to get along as if they have known each other for a long time,” he said. “I think people will enjoy working with him and the skills he brings will help them going forward.”

Prior to working for North Shore Bank, Joel was a financial advisor with a Chicago-based advisory firm. He said in his time at North Shore Bank, his colleagues have been extremely helpful in his transition from being a graduate student to a working professional again. “The most rewarding part of this job is going to be helping the clients achieve their goals, and I’m excited to give my best effort.”

He thanked Ted for being a “phenomenal teacher and coach,” whom he has enjoyed learning from. “I wish him a very happy retirement,” he said. He’s also grateful to his strong family support system back home in Indiana.

Erika said Joel, who earned his master’s degree in finance from Purdue University last year, is off to a great start and is “jumping in with both feet.”

In retirement, Ted will help out watching his grandchildren — a 2-year-old and two more in grade school. He and his wife have a few trips planned, and he’s got projects around the house to work on. Add cooking, fishing, walking, golf, and maybe some continuing education opportunities and he will not be bored!

Congratulations to Ted and Joel!

 

NEW HIRES

Olech named McHenry branch manager

Gregory (Greg) Olech started earlier this month as the new McHenry branch manager. Olech has worked in banking for 22 years. “I was attracted to the mission and values of North Shore Bank, as well as the positive customer and employee testimonials,” Olech said.

Olech said he enjoys educating clients about the tools and resources available to them, understanding their needs, and making great product recommendations. Training and mentoring up-and-coming bankers is also high on his list.

District Manager Brian Bozek welcomes Greg to the North Shore Bank team. “He has a strong background in coaching, developing, and expanding relationships with customers, lending, and operations. I am confident he will bring a wealth of experience and fresh ideas to our team in McHenry and to the South District,” Bozek said.

Outside of work, Greg keeps very busy. He lives in Elgin, IL with his wife, Melissa, seven children — four girls and three boys — and two Cavalier King Charles spaniels. He’s active as an Assistant Scoutmaster in Boy Scouts and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in his youth. He’s also a big fan of the Chicago Bears.

Welcome, Greg!

 

CORPORATE COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE

Corporate office celebrates Sweet 16 for a cause

The Corporate Community Outreach Committee held a fun Sweet 16 March Madness-themed event Monday in the 4th floor cafe. Employees could stop by for popcorn and to test their skills at a tabletop basketball game.

Players competed to see who could win the most points with prizes awarded to the top 3 winners:

• 1st Place: BSA/AML Quality Control Specialist Stephanie Hallgren
• 2nd Place: Senior Mortgage Servicing Specialist Brenda Newton
• 3rd Place Marketing Data Analyst Rachel Rasmussen

Donations were accepted for Cream City Charity: Every Kid, Every Sport. Employees raised funds to support the charity and collected new sporting equipment to donate as well. Great job, all!

 

COMMUNITY-MINDED

A day at the symphony

Erika Garcia used her Volunteer PTO time to chaperone her son’s class field trip to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Uriel, pictured here with Erika, is 10.

Have questions about Volunteer PTO? Find out more here.

AROUND THE BANK

Learn more in 2024: Sign up now for the Job Shadow program!

Expand your North Shore Bank knowledge through our Job Shadow program.  Job shadows are a great way to meet other bank employees, learn more about specific department roles and responsibilities, and explore potential career growth. When you participate, you’ll walk away with valuable insights and “aha” moments.

Don’t just take our word for it! See what some of our past attendees had to say:

• The loan origination job shadow overall just gave me a better understanding of not only the loans we offer but also a clearer vision of the process.
• It was interesting to see how indirect loans come to the bank.
• I never understood how things were uploaded to each folder and how they were sorted or reviewed. It is a much more tedious process than I realized and have a better appreciation for how much work the deposit department does.
• It was nice to see what happens after a CTR, MIL or SAR report is submitted; the behind the scenes and what follows. 
• I went into this thinking that “Branch Operations” was pretty self explanatory, but after attending the job shadow I learned just how much the department really handles.
• Really enjoyed learning about all factors that go into the creation and role out of a checking promotion.

New Job Shadows 99616 are available and more will be coming soon. Enroll in one (or more) in KnowledgeBank today and learn more in 2024.

 

 

Customer Loyalty Tip of the Week

If you are already meeting customer expectations, list three things you can do to exceed their expectations.

 

COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Discover events and activities in and around your community

• 6th Annual Fox Cities Kidz Expo | Saturday, April 20, 2024 (9 a.m.) | Fox Cities Exhibition Center | 355 W. Lawrence St. | Appleton, WI