Jody Moore with (from left) Mike, daughter-in-law Courtney, grandson James, grandpuppy Harmony, and son Zach.

After a 43-year career in banking and eight years with North Shore Bank, Lending Sales Specialist Jody Moore is retiring on Nov. 8. Along the way, Jody has learned a lot, worked beside people she calls her “extended family,” and picked up quite a few fun nicknames! She shared some parting thoughts with Shorelines as she and her husband, Mike, prepare to move to Eagle River.

What drew you to work in banking? 

I enjoy interacting with people and felt that a teller position would provide me with the professional environment and growth opportunities I was looking for at that time. I began as a teller and took opportunities to grow my career within many banking departments, such as Teller, Personal Banking, Residential and Commercial Loan Processor, Administrative Assistant, etc.

Is there anything about your time at North Shore Bank that stands out to you? What have you enjoyed most about your job?  

I love my job and everyone I have the privilege to work alongside! It’s the people that stand out. From day one, everyone made me feel so welcome and at home. I was with my prior employer (Layton State Bank, which was acquired by North Shore Bank) for 35 years, and they only had four branch locations and about 40 employees, so it was a bit scary stepping into North Shore Bank with its 40+ branch locations and 400+ employees.    

I was fortunate to interview with Margaret Capper, SVP Commercial Banking Manager, and she hired me as the Lending Sales Specialist. Fun fact: when I heard my title had the word “sales” in it, that scared the bejeebers out of me. I told Margaret that if I ever made a sale, it would be purely by accident since I’ve never been strong on that side.  

So out of that, I received my first nickname, “Accidental Sales.” There have been a few others since then—”Mother Earth” for my calm demeanor on stress-filled days, “Trixie” in reference to the cartoon “Speed Racer” during our COVID days, and “Radar O’Reilly” in reference to the TV show “MASH,” as I’ve been known to complete forms and just place them in front of her to sign (trust me, she always reads them before signing).

Margaret fosters a team approach toward business and employees, so being part of the Business Banking team is really being part of a family—a family I will truly miss. I’ve also had the immense honor to work closely with Jim and Jay McKenna, along with so many others, during my time with the bank. My job has been my “dream job.” It’s everything I’ve always hoped it would be and so much more!    

What are your plans for retirement?

My husband, Mike, and I feel so truly blessed in life. Mike is also retiring, and we are moving to Eagle River, WI. We love the small-town feel and enjoy all four seasons, yes, even winter. We’re hoping retirement gives us the flexibility to see our son Zach, daughter-in-law Courtney, grandson James, and grandpuppy Harmony more often—they are my heart. And having the freedom to travel during the week is a huge plus! 

Do you have any parting thoughts and words of wisdom for the team you worked with at North Shore Bank? What impressed you about your co-workers? Any tips you learned in your career that you’d like to share?  

The Business Banking Team is my extended family. We’ve shared so much together, professionally and personally, over the past 8 years. It will be very weird not seeing them daily, but they will always be some of my closest, dearest friends, and I know we’ll stay in touch. This is a tremendously hard-working team dedicated to providing the best experience for our customers, both external and internal. Each individual is an inspiration, and the depth of experience and knowledge within makes this a gold-medal team!     

As far as tips, opportunities are only possible if you take them or create them, so always do your best (even on your worst days) and find the joy in those around you. 

Wise words, Jody! Congratulations on your well-earned retirement! 

But before Jody leaves, Margaret Capper wanted to say a few words, too! Margaret said Jody has been an outstanding addition to the North Shore Bank team for the last eight years. 

“You can ask anyone, client or employee, and they will rave about how wonderful Jody always is to work with,” Margaret said. “She has a calming demeanor and is constantly smiling, not only in person but in voice and presence. She is a true professional and friend to many. She will be missed by many, especially me, but we could not be happier for her and Mike to start this next chapter in their lives. Best wishes to Jody and her family!”