When she applied for a job at North Shore Bank in Mortgage Loan Processing 20 years ago this month, Cheryl Lang had a good feeling about it.

Cheryl Lang celebrates her 20th anniversary with North Shore Bank this month.

“I had worked for mortgage brokerage offices, but this was the first actual bank I’d ever applied to,” recalls Cheryl, who would move to Commercial Loan Processing in 2005 and then to Commercial Loan Servicing in 2006, and took over leading that department in 2010. “I saw the position in Brookfield — which I love — and knew the bank had a great reputation, as my parents had banked here, so I was optimistic about the opportunity.”

Her optimism has paid off.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with her and seeing her advance over the past 17 years,” says loan operations process risk analyst AVP Ron Olson. “She’s great with her team and keeps us all laughing.”

“Cheryl is the glue that keeps this department together,” says senior commercial loan servicing analyst Theresa Krznarich. “She is always in a good mood, no matter what may be going on, and always willing to help with questions or problems.”

“Cheryl has been a great manager and friend!” says commercial loan servicing analyst Kathy Tetzlaff. And Cheryl’s boss, VP loan operations Nicole Daniels, says: “It seems like just yesterday we were working together on the 1st Floor, enjoying cheese fries from Mo’s. Cheryl is always willing to share her vast lending knowledge and continues to keep our Commercial Servicing area nimble and able to handle complex deal structures, giving us a competitive edge in the marketplace. I am inspired by her crisis management skills — regardless of what is going on in the world, home, or work, she handles things with grace and ease.”

For her 20th anniversary, Cheryl talked to Shorelines about her career.

What were you doing before North Shore Bank hired you?
I started in consumer loan and credit card collections for a small agency in Whitewater right after high school. A few years later, I thought I would do something totally different at the advice of a friend — sell cars. Even as I type that, I really can’t believe I actually tried it. It was an interesting experience, for lack of a better phrase to describe it, but it was not for me! I worked in processing for small mortgage offices after.

What were you expecting when you applied here?
I didn’t expect anything when I submitted my application — I only had high hopes that I would be called!

What’s kept you here for 20 years?
The biggest reason would be the people. Our team is made up of such amazing people, each so smart, talented, hardworking, fun — the list could go on! There are other several other reasons for sure: I love to help our customers, and the work we do is always custom for each customer’s needs. No dull moments in the commercial lending world!

What are some of the major changes in your personal life over the last 20 years?
What hasn’t changed?! When I started here, I had just moved to Waukesha with my 5-year-old daughter. In the last 20 years I’ve been married, went to college, had two more children, and my oldest daughter is now married! I experienced a lot of personal change very fast in the past year or so, having moved to Brookfield and, very shortly after, taking guardianship of my sister (who has Down syndrome) after my mom passed suddenly.

Did you ever suspect you’d stay so long?
In my very young life, I never could have imagined I would be in this industry 25 years later! I was interested in other professions, but I don’t believe that those choices would have provided the stability and balance I really am blessed with today.