Erika Smith

Erika Smith didn’t have to be convinced. “I personally wanted to become a sponsor, and my Teller Supervisor at the time, Carmen Maurer, recommended me,” says Erika. Promoted in February, she is now Sussex’s Teller Supervisor herself, since “second mom” Carmen moved to Brookfield Capitol.

“She thought I would make a great sponsor, and she’s an inspiration of mine,” Erika says. “She is truly one of the greatest people I know.”

Erika joined North Shore Bank a little more than three years ago, and started sponsoring in November 2012. Since then, she’s sponsored two employees: New Berlin Teller Josh Librizzi and Sussex PB Ashley Peterson.

Neither had banking experience, but both soon grasped the necessary concepts, Erika says.

“It always makes me feel good to see someone really catch on,” she says. “Success is a rush of positive energy. I told both of them they can really prosper with our company, and I believe it too. They both have it in them, and encouragement can really drive someone.”

Erika’s branch manager, Candy Walecki, agrees — she says she’s enjoyed watching Erika find a home in the banking world. “She was a student and she wanted to be a police officer,” Candy says. “But we may have a career banker now. We won her over!”

Erika’s operational aptitude and absolute commitment to quality make her an asset to the bank and a great sponsor, Candy says. “Plus, as a younger staff member, Erika still has adventures that the rest of us can live through vicariously. She keeps things fun. You notice her laughter right away.”

But Erika is serious about her work too, and her role as a sponsor has influenced that.

“Being a sponsor gave me a sense of importance, knowing I can help my company grow and thrive,” she says. “It reminded me of when I was a new teller, and it made me want to keep growing.”