Ron and Cheryl Olson
After more than 40 years of dedicated service, Ron Olson is retiring from North Shore Bank this week. His journey through the organization has included roles as Teller, Consumer Loan Representative, New Account Representative, Teller Supervisor at the Northwest office, and Branch Manager for 10 years at Bayshore.
In 2000, Ron moved to the Corporate office as Consumer Loan Servicing Manager, then Commercial Loan Servicing Manager, and finally, in 2010, into his current position as Loan Operations Process and Risk Analyst in the Servicing-Commercial department.
Ron’s banking career began after managing shifts at Marc’s Big Boy Restaurants for a few years. “I wanted to change direction and eventually progress to an office-type job following in the footsteps of my father, who worked for an insurance company for 35+ years,” Ron shares. “With administrative and accounting skills I had from college, I got an entry-level job as a teller with North Shore Savings and Loan. Turned out well from there!”
When asked about his fondest memories at North Shore Bank, Ron recalls the social aspects of branch life. “The best times, when I was back in the branch, were when we had gatherings of the branches with quarterly sales awards dinners, the annual picnic, or playing on the softball team. Great to meet others face to face and make friends,” he said. The relationships he built have stood the test of time, as Ron notes, “I have long-time friends from North Shore with whom I will continue to be active with after retirement. That’s a great thing!”
As for retirement plans, Ron and his wife are ready for warmer climates and new adventures. They plan to visit the remaining states and national parks they haven’t seen yet, enjoy cruises, and embark on international trips to London, Paris, and the Mediterranean. Ron is “looking to stay active 365 days a year.”
Ron’s colleagues have nothing but praise for their departing teammate. Theresa Krznarich, Commercial Loan Servicing Team Leader, who has worked with Ron for 15 years, has appreciated Ron’s deep knowledge of the loan systems and products, and his mentoring throughout the years. Along with all that knowledge, though, is someone fun to work with. “Ron has a great sense of humor, which will be missed. He is also a renowned foodie, so we will be lost without his restaurant recommendations. His chicken salad is world famous!” she said.
Vice President, Commercial Loan Servicing Manager Cheryl Lang reflected on her 20-year working relationship with Ron: “Ron is such a detailed and logical person, which has served him extremely well in his role as our business analyst. With reviewing loans, reporting, projects, conversion, and acquisition data, I always could trust that he would find if anything were amiss.” Adding, “Ron is so funny, calm, and kind, so whenever I could use some advice with a side of sarcasm, Ron has been my go-to.”
The personal connection Cheryl shares with Ron is evident: “Ron asked me recently how many years I have until retirement (which is just his way of reminding me I have a long time) to which I really couldn’t say how many, but I did say something to the effect that the last 19 have been pretty fun because he’s been here with me. Ron has been a wonderful mentor, colleague, and friend, and I will truly miss him dearly.”
Nicole McKenzie, Senior Commercial Loan Servicing Analyst, simply states what many are feeling: “Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement, Ron! Thank you for everything, and you’ll truly be missed.”
Ron expressed sincere appreciation for his team members—Cheryl, Theresa, Nicole, Commercial Loan Servicing Analyst Kathy Tetzlaff, and Commercial Loan Servicing Analyst Shakara Bobo. He describes them as “a great team—a joy to work with—always backing each other up and a lot of laughs, and all do a great job for the bank!” He also extends special thanks to Vice President, Loan and Treasury Operations Nicole Daniels for “keeping me challenged and involved.”
As Ron prepares for his next chapter, he leaves colleagues with this advice: “Know your role and take advantage of opportunities to use your skills and advance.”
Congratulations, Ron, as you head into your well-deserved retirement!