SVP Sue Doyle says a few words at Darrel’s 40th anniversary celebration in March.

Four decades is a long time, to be sure — but not too long for VP Darrel Eisenhardt. “I have found my job so interesting with the different responsibilities that I have had over the past 40 years that I have never dreaded coming to work,” he confesses.

Back when he started, Darrel was a loan officer for Southeastern Savings, which became part of North Shore Bank in the early 1980s. Later, he became a branch manager, a vice president and manager of the Central Region, and VP of branch administration. Currently, he serves as region coordinator. All of those positions, he says, have been enjoyable.

“When I was a branch manager, I enjoyed helping customers achieve their dreams by purchasing their first home or setting up a savings plan to buy that first home or car,” Darrel says. “I truly have enjoyed working with all of my coworkers over the years. North Shore Bank is a great place to work.”

Colleagues surprised Darrel at his 40th anniversary party with their own Darrel Eisenhardt masks, taken from a more mustachioed time.

Change and challenges
As VP of branch administration, Darrel was heavily involved with construction and renovation of our branches. Naturally, he’s seen — and overseen — plenty of change in the bank’s properties, products, and services. That can be a tough part of the job, but a satisfying aspect, as well.

“All the changes in banking can be a challenge to keep up with,” he says. “But if you have knowledgeable coworkers who have expertise in areas that you are not familiar with, that helps a lot to resolve those challenges.”

He adds: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. We always learn from our mistakes.”

If he misses anything about “the olden days,” it’s that back then, there were fewer laws and compliance issues to stay on top of. And, he says, “At times I do miss working with the public. I liked getting to know your customers and helping them meet their financial needs.”

“Darrel consistently does a very good job for North Shore Bank,” says Sue Doyle, SVP, retail banking. “He is a conscientious worker who follows through on commitments. He approaches problems with a focus on finding solutions. He is known for his smile and friendly demeanor, and has strong working relationships with internal and external partners.”

The “Darrels” revealed! From left to right: Training Specialist Nikki Shelton-Moss, AVP Amy Schoen, President and COO Jay McKenna, the real Darrel Eisenhardt, VP Craig Witz, SVP Mike Kellman, VP Kevin Wilderman, and SVP Sue Doyle.

Extracurricular activities
When he’s not working, Darrel still stays plenty busy. He is a longtime member of the Burlington Lions Club, and the Burlington Youth Soccer Club recently named him its Volunteer of the Year for 2014. He’s been involved with the club for about 20 years now, serving as registrar, treasurer, and helping in other roles. He has also worked with Burlington’s planning commission, park board, and other boards, and served his church.

Given his long service helping young athletes, it’s no surprise that working with kids is what Darrel says he would probably do if he hadn’t gone into banking.

“I think I would like to be a teacher,” he says. “I enjoy working with the youth, and having the summer off would be great!”