Facilities and services manager Bob Effinger, who joined North Shore Bank when we acquired Maritime Savings in 2010, will retire on Monday, July 2. He took time to answer some questions from Shorelines.
Molly Schissler, SVP, HR & Compliance, said: “It’s been a great pleasure to work with Bob since he joined us as part of the Maritime acquisition as our building engineer. His experience, along with his easy style and good-natured approach to his work, contributed greatly when he took over as facilities and service manager in early 2017. I know I speak for many here, especially at the Corporate location, when I say Bob will be greatly missed. I wish him and his wife, Karen, much happiness in his retirement.”
Are there any mentors or colleagues who have been especially important to your career?
My savior Jesus Christ has been the most important mentor, partner, and friend and is the light of my life. His teachings and guidance have kept me from straying too far down the wrong path a number of times, and brought me to my decision to retire and begin a new segment of my life. The specifics have yet to be determined, but retiring is the first step in that direction.
What’s your favorite of all the changes that have taken place in your work since you started?
The multiple forms of electronic communications. Email, text, cell phones, Jabber — they make it so easy to communicate and document that communication.
And your least favorite?
The multiple forms of electronic communications! It’s so easy, the volume of incoming communications can be overwhelming at times. I’ve learned to say a quick prayer when that happens and focus on one task at a time.
What’s your favorite memory from your time at North Shore Bank?
The Monday morning in the middle of January 2012 when I walked into the Business Banking department at Corporate and there were two inches of water on the floor in the entire area. A pipe along the baseboard heating system in that area had ruptured, and all the water in the building boiler system was being emptied onto the floor.
If you hadn’t ended up here, what career path might you have taken?
When I was a kid, I dreamed of playing in the NBA. But building maintenance has been in my soul for over 30 years, so it would have been something in that area.
What advice would you give someone starting out here?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath, say a little prayer to your God, and focus on completing one task at a time.
What’s next?
My wife, Karen, and I plan to spend much more time with our nine grandchildren, who all live within 45 minutes. We also plan to join the snowbird community by taking our travel trailer to warmer climates during the cold Wisconsin winter months. On top of the list is to discern what direction the good Lord has in store for us. We are looking forward to a new and exciting future.
Bob, you will be missed. All the best to you and your wife Karen!
Congratulations Bob! You will be missed. Best Wishes to you and your family in the next chapter of your life!
Congratulations Bob on your retirement! May god bless you and your family on the next chapter in your life. You will truly be missed!
Bob, good luck to you in your retirement! Your patience and pleasant demeanor is truly a gift from God. Thank you for everything you did for us here at North Shore Bank.
It’s certainly been a pleasure working with you. You will be truly missed.
Enjoy your retirement!
Bob you have been amazing! You will be missed so much! Thank you and best wishes in your retirement!
Thank you for all you have done for my department personally, as well as for the rest of the bank. You always took care of things quickly, and never had to be called back to correct something a second time. We will definitely miss you! Just think of how much fun you would have missed out on had you joined the NBA instead of NSB :) Best wishes for both you and Karen on a happy retirement.
Bob, you were my first friend at North Shore Bank and a fantastic representation of what was to come. You’re one of those individuals who has an impact on those you meet and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to interact with you. I pray our Lord blesses you and your wife with many years of fun adventures, good health and not too many things to fix! (LOL) Please remember when you hop on your bike that North Shore Bank is a destination place! All the best!
Bob, I didn’t have the pleasure of getting to know you but clearly I can see by all of the comments, I have a big challenge ahead of me trying to find someone to fill your shoes. When Molly told me that you were leaving, her heart just sank! I loved reading your answers and it’s clear that you have been a witness to others. The best is yet to come and enjoy your next chapter!
Congratulations Bob! You have been such a great asset to the bank, and such a wonderful person to work with. Your contribution to our Christmas Party was invaluable and I keep those pictures on my phone to show everyone what a great sport you are. Enjoy your grandkids! You are lucky to have so many and to have good health to enjoy them. Best of luck on this new chapter of your life.
Bob,
You have been such a pleasure to work with and get to know from back in the Maritime days. Your laid back, easy going personality will surely be missed by so many!!! God bless you and your family in your future endeavors.
Good Luck Bob!! It was a pleasure working with you at Maritime and then being able to still experience your kind nauture and great work ethic at NSB. You will be missed.