Mark and Cindy Fairfield on vacation in Islamorada, Fla. 

When Area Manager Mark Fairfield transitioned from corporate accounting to banking, he didn’t imagine his new role as a loan collection specialist would ever turn dangerous. But one of his earliest assignments proved otherwise.

It was the mid-1980s, and the country was grappling with a severe economic downturn that took a toll on American farmers, especially those with heavy debt loads. One day, the lead collector on agriculture accounts told Mark to put on some old clothes, and the two headed out to a farm to count cows. What seemed like a fairly straightforward task quickly took an unexpected turn.

“We walked through the cows, counting them and moving them behind us,” Mark recalled. “Suddenly, my coworker yelled for me to run. He had already jumped the fence, and I just got over it when a red Holstein bull came charging up behind me!” The farmer had set them up—but thankfully, they made it out unscathed. 

That wild introduction to the banking world was just the start of Mark’s remarkable 39-year career. Despite the challenges, he loved the work, particularly the opportunities to meet new people, hear their stories, and help them. 

A few years after that adrenaline-filled start, Mark shifted to retail banking, ultimately joining North Shore Bank in 2010 as part of the acquisition of Maritime Savings Bank. In total, he’s been in banking for 39 years, and his relationships with customers and coworkers have kept him inspired. As he prepares for retirement on Feb. 5, Mark reflected fondly on the journey. 

“You become close with people,” Mark said. “That’s the part I truly enjoy. You see people take on their financial future and actually win. You see the successes. I love it when they have a challenge and ask what they should do. I respect the trust they’ve given me.”

Mark appreciates the opportunities he’s had at North Shore Bank and the many great coworkers who have made his time here fun and rewarding. As branch manager and area manager, he’s taken pride in helping several employees grow their careers, including Stephanie Ruiz and Danielle Hansen, both Community Engagement Managers, and Sussex Branch Manager Shannon Quinn. He’s also enjoyed bringing in employees from outside of the banking industry, like Muskego Lead Teller Mel Grode, and seeing how they thrive in their new roles. “They listen, ask questions, then apply it—that’s what made them successful,” he said. “It’s been fun watching and helping them grow.”

Mark emphasized the importance of continuous learning in a fast-evolving industry. “You can’t stop learning, or you’re behind,” he said. “Stay on top of our ever-changing environment and share things with our customers they could use.”

As Mark looks ahead to retirement, he’s excited to spend more time with his wife, Cindy, their grown children, and grandchildren. They love spending time at their lake place in northern Vilas County and Perdido Key, Fla., fishing, watching the birds (he goes through 3,000 pounds of birdseed each year!), and enjoying the outdoors. Always an avid reader, Mark has ideas for a few books he’d like to write, and he looks forward to getting back into brewing his own beer.

His coworkers were eager to celebrate his well-earned retirement and reflect on the impact he’s had on their lives.

“Mark has talked about this day for as long as I can remember, and I am so happy that time has finally come. I hope you have a happy and healthy retirement and enjoy all this time with your family,” Stephanie Ruiz said. “I want to sincerely thank Mark for pushing me to where I am now. His coaching and guidance play a big role in who and where I am today.”

Mel Grode shared a favorite memory of Mark’s good-natured sense of humor. “There was one April Fools’ Day when we taped the bottom of his mouse so that the tracker wouldn’t work. He ended up calling the Help Desk, and as he talked to them, we busted out laughing on the teller line. He gave us the hardest side eye and told them, ‘Never mind, I think I’ve just been pranked.’ He followed up the next day with a giant fake crab in my drawer as I set up in the morning. I think I deserved that!”

District Manager Cristen Baumann highlighted Mark’s exceptional people skills. “Mark can connect with people by finding things in common during the first interaction. He has a knack for building rapport quickly, finding commonality, and can transition to financial conversations. Customers genuinely trust his advice. He will be missed by many!”

Congratulations, Mark, on many successful years in banking! Enjoy your retirement!