Our partner Elan has recognized six North Shore Bank employees as “Elan Elites” for their hard work getting customers to open and activate credit card accounts. The Elite designation means these employees are among the top Elan promoters in the nation.

Sara Speich

The employees are El Rey assistant branch manager Maria Castro, personal banker Vanessa Escobedo, Green Bay East personal banker Brenda Gillespie, Jackson Park assistant branch manager Claudia Romo-Verdin, Muskego universal banker Sara Speich, and Brookfield Square assistant branch manager Mariella Zarb.

“I feel honored to have been recognized as an Elan Elite,” says Sara. “I always try my best to do what is right for the customer, and I think that because I have such a good rapport with them, they trust me to do what is in their best interest.”

Vanessa Escobedo

She says asking questions and trying to really zero in on the customer’s true needs has been key to her success. “I also like to look at their checking history in Cleartouch, which gives me a lot of useful information regarding their use of credit cards,” Sara adds. “I also am an avid believer in R1 follow-up events. Customers are really impressed that we reach out to talk with them, since it shows we care.”

Vanessa agrees it’s important to help customers understand why they personally need or could benefit from a North Shore Bank credit card. “Everyone needs to establish their own individual credit,” she notes.

Both Vanessa and Brenda say inbound calls have offered valuable opportunities for them to tell customers about our credit cards.

“Also, I do a lot of credit building with our branch demographic — students starting their credit journey — as well as people looking to repair credit,” Brenda says.

Mariella Zarb

“I think reading and being knowledgeable about the products really contributed to this win,” Mariella says. “Once you are not afraid of the product, you will talk about it. I keep up to date with all the training material, listen attentively to the customer’s needs, and offer the card as a solution.” She also stresses the importance of enthusiasm.

“Each of these wonderful employees is successful because they look out for ways to help our customers better manage their finances and achieve their financial goals. I am not surprised they are Elan Elites, because they are North Shore Bank elites too,” VP branch sales manager Craig Witz says.

These employees will maintain their Elite status for the rest of the Winter 2021 quarter, through March. They have each received a bonus and will also be entered in a sweepstakes where they can win up to $1,000. The next batch of Elites will be selected for the Spring 2021 period starting in April.