Margie and Guido in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, in 2011. “We do travel to places other than Italy!” she says.
Margie (Marguerite) Brusa
Branch Manager/Assistant Vice President
Brookfield Square
Call her our in-house international bon vivant: Her family’s native Italy has been a second home to Margie Brusa. She spent two years attending an international high school in Rome, where she hobnobbed with the children of folks like actor Burt Lancaster and Israeli Foreign Minister Moshe Dayan. Though she hasn’t been back to the homeland in five years, she and husband Guido — a neighbor there and friend of her brother’s who became a romantic interest when she visited after college — used to return as many as two or three times a year. In the meantime, they content themselves with Margie’s passion for Italian cooking; they expanded their kitchen just to make room for a wood-burning oven, giving her homemade bread and pizza an even more authentic flavor. If that makes your taste buds jealous, you don’t want to know about her typical lunch plans. “I’m fortunate enough to live close enough to the bank to run home to eat. I call it my ‘Zen time,’ especially now that it’s summer, when I can grab a book and have a bite outside, where I sit listening to the flow of water from our fountain. Needless to say, I’m refreshed when I return to work.”
When did you start at North Shore Bank?
I came to North Shore Bank via the Maritime Savings Bank acquisition in January 2011. When the FDIC came in, it was a little nerve-racking, but [District Manager Kerri Collins] just had us so at ease, any little butterflies I had initially went away so fast. We basically spent the weekend together, and I could tell by the things she was sharing that we’d be able to do things again we hadn’t been able to do in so long, like loans. Her enthusiasm was contagious, even in light of the stressful situation. Eventually, I had a chance to meet [VP/Consumer Sales Manager] Steve Arps and [VP/Branch Operations Manager] Sue Doyle. That conversation confirmed that North Shore Bank was the perfect fit for me!
Where did you work before the bank?
My banking career started in college, when I worked part time as a teller at a savings and loan. I caught the banking bug, and after I graduated college with a degree in foreign languages, I worked in the international department of the former First Wisconsin.
What’s your favorite book, movie, TV show, or musical work?
I am not a big movie or TV fan, but I do find reading a peaceful escape — other than science fiction, I will read just about anything. My secret pastime, however, is watching soccer. My favorite famous person is my soccer hero, Francesco Totti, the star of the AS Roma team. (If you are ever at Brookfield Square, ask and I’ll show you the personalized autographed picture he gave me).
If you could say one thing to all your colleagues at the bank, what would it be?
Non mollare mai. Translated: Never give up.
Family: Husband Guido (yes, it really is Guido and, yes, he is Italian!). Cristina, our daughter (married to Matt; they have our only grandchild, Matteo, who is 1 year old). Marco, our son (married to Meghan — no grandchild…yet!). And Butterscotch, our 20-year-old tabby cat.
What an interesting life you’ve led thus far, Margie! I loved Burt Lancaster! Did you ever get to meet him? Your home and kitchen sound marvelous and this was such a nice glimpse into the way you spend your time away from your bank “home”. Ciao! (I think this means “see you later”–I don’t like to say “good-bye”).
Hi Carol,
I did not know you were a Burt Lancaster fan! Sheila, his daughter, was a junior and I was a freshman so we hung around together at school, but you know how that age thing works in high school. Burt was filming the first year I was there and no, I didn’t ever get to meet him. It was fun to share a piece of my life outside of the bank and now everyone knows how much I like to eat and cook!
By the way, you are correct about “Ciao” – it is a general phrase that can be used both as “hi” and “see you later.”
Ciao to you!
Nice story Margie! So when are you making us all Spaghetti and Meatballs? LOL
I’m so glad you came over to North Shore Bank. You are a pleasure to work with!
Great story, Margie! I’ll expect some fresh bread and pizza soon!
That is so neat to hear your story, Margie. I went to Rome for a week and loved it! I can’t imagine what it would be like to actually live there.
I just love Margie! So neat to hear your story and history.
Fantastico Margie!! As always, enjoy working with you!
Margie, this was a fascinating read! Thank you for sharing this glimpse into your life!
Margie,
Vorrei che il mio italiano sara’ buono come il tuo vostro giorno. :)
Margie….my husband has no desire to travel to Europe, so if you need a traveling partner to Italy and your hubby can’t make it…..I’m there! Going to Italy is on my bucket list. Your life sure is full and fascinating.
Margie, Your article was interesting. I also love to hear our fountain and the birds outside and relaxing during my lunch while out in the yard. My daughter is a big soccer fan and will be at the Brewers game hopefully. Maybe, if you are attending, you might meet.
Margie,
You are an inspiration to be a better listener, or should I say a better communicator, as I really do enjoy intently listening to my fountain and the birds outside and am trying to learn all of their calls. Thought I’d mention that my daughter Erica has also been to Italy. Finally, I fully endorse your motto “Never give up!” Thanks for the encouragement.