RETIREMENTS

Mark Fairfield to retire Feb. 5 after nearly 40 years in banking

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!

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

North Shore Bank to sponsor Art 64 painting tournament for second year

In partnership with Discover Wauwatosa, North Shore Bank will again sponsor ART 64, a bracket-style live painting tournament held in the Village of Wauwatosa. Sixty-four artists from around the country will compete to win the $20,000 grand prize. ART 64 will be held on June 6 and 7. 03212 This is the second year North Shore Bank has been the presenting sponsor. 

“We’re delighted to once again sponsor and support Art 64 in Wauwatosa, a terrific event that brings people together from all around. This wonderful annual gathering is quickly becoming a cherished tradition for our community,” said Wauwatosa Branch Manager Mary Rose Balzer. “As a community bank, supporting local events and fostering community spirit comes naturally, and we invite everyone to join us for the celebration of live art and enjoy a variety of activities designed for all ages.”

Applications are now open for artists who wish to compete in this year’s event. The deadline to apply is Feb. 28.

In the head-to-head tournament, the artists paint live over two days. Artists are given a set period of time to paint a work of art: 60 minutes in Round 1, 75 minutes in Round 2, and 90 minutes in Round 3 (the final round). 

Spectators are invited to watch the artists create, and they vote for their favorites to advance to the next round. After the event, all paintings—with the exception of the winning painting—are available for sale through an online auction site. The winning painting will be hung at Wauwatosa City Hall. 

Tyrone Acierto won in 2024. 

Watch for opportunities to volunteer at the event as it draws nearer! 

 

FYI

Tips for dealing with spam texts, email, and junk mail

This week is Identity Theft Awareness Week, and it’s a good time to review some tips from the Federal Trade Commission that you can use—and share with your customers—on how to cut down on unsolicited communications. 

To reduce the number of spam texts and emails you receive:

• Use filters. Mobile phones have options to filter and block texts from unknown senders, and call-blocking apps can help you avoid unwanted messages. Use your email provider’s spam filters.
• Unsubscribe from unwanted emails. 
• Report unwanted messages. Use your phone’s “report junk” option or copy and forward unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM). Report spam emails using your provider’s tools. 

The FTC consumer alert also offers tips on how to cut down on junk mail, including prescreened credit and insurance offers. 

To learn more about reducing the amount of unsolicited texts, emails, and junk mail you receive, check out the full list of suggestions from the FTC. 

 

PROMOTIONS

Reminder: Mortgage Days in full swing, extends through February

Don’t forget: Mortgage Days, which kicked off Jan. 20, runs through the end of February this year! The effort is designed to increase awareness of North Shore Bank’s mortgage lending and boost conversations about mortgages in the branches. 

Customers can take advantage of limited-time specials during this event, including deals on one-year adjustable-rate mortgages and construction loans. Help spread the word about Mortgage Days by talking it up at your branches and sharing our social media posts! 

 

Shorelines wants to share news about YOU!

Just a reminder that we’re always looking for fun and exciting things to share in Shorelines.  Whether it’s a special event at your branch or a shout-out to one of your coworkers, a great trip you went on with family or friends, information about a half-marathon you’re running, or even just a fantastic photo you took over the weekend, we’d love to share it! Please email shorelines@northshorebank.com to have your news included in a future issue.

 

Customer Loyalty Tip of the Week

Follow up with every customer who was upset or had a complex problem to make sure it was resolved to their satisfaction.

 

COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Discover events and activities in and around your community

• Lowering Your Borrowing Costs with a Grant Seminar | Saturday, February 15, 2025 (11:00 AM) | North Shore Bank-Community Room | 4230 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee, WI