SENIOR LEADER SHOWCASE
Eric Freeman looks ahead to a 200-year anniversary for North Shore Bank
Eric M. Freeman acts as North Shore Bank’s Senior Vice President and Commercial Real Estate Lending Manager, and he took a few minutes to share some thoughts with Shorelines about his fifteen-year anniversary with the bank.
What led you into this industry? Are the same things that interested you then still interesting to you now?
My first job out of college was as a courier for a local title company. I moved up the proverbial ladder with various positions over 8 years, ending as manager of the closing department, which had 17 people at the time. One of our regular customers was a private lending company from Minneapolis that specialized in commercial construction, including multifamily condo projects and single/multi subdivisions. After one of our closings, they pulled me aside and told me they were expanding into this area and asked if I would be interested in starting up a satellite location for them in Brookfield. Our office was just a mile or so from North Shore Bank’s corporate headquarters, so I’ve been working in this same general area for almost 30 years, and I often joke that I’ve spent at least a year of my life waiting at Brookfield stoplights!
For each of Eric’s 15 years, he has put together at least one or two all-day hunting events that typically are attended by customers and bank employees.
I hired a few people and ran the operation for 14 years, until the recession took its toll on the construction industry. I then asked a mutual customer if he knew of any commercial lending opportunities, and he referred me to Jim McKenna. Jim may not recall our conversation over 15 years ago, but when I called his number, he picked up the phone and said of course they’d be interested in talking to me! About 5 minutes later, I got a call from HR and the rest is history!
I have always enjoyed working with investment real estate and have been involved in it my whole career in one form or another. I especially enjoy watching construction projects progress from an empty plot of land to a mature, living and breathing project, with associated benefits of providing housing and commercial amenities to the local community.
Eric attends a Packers game with a customer
What would you say is your motivation or guiding principle? Has it changed over the years?
As my staff have probably heard me say many times, there is no such thing as a professional salesperson. If you are honest and straightforward, down-to-earth and genuine, positive and enthusiastic, your customers will see that and business development will be easy—and very often it will come looking for you!
What has kept you at North Shore Bank?
Over my 15 years I have had a great working dynamic with senior management. They are very supportive and have always promoted a fun working environment. With the help of many talented people in all of the various supporting departments, our commercial loan portfolio has grown nicely over the years and we are proud of that!
Customer groundbreaking
What have you learned over your time here?
We analyze potential commercial real estate deals almost on a daily basis, so we’ve learned to be nimble and quickly determine what will be a good fit for the bank or not—sometimes it requires a thick skin to let deals go. We are continually negotiating the best possible terms for both the bank and the customer and doing our best to match the bank’s appetites with customer expectations. We’ve learned to keep our focus on only the highest-quality opportunities.
Eric and customers at a Brewers game
What do you think the next 100 years will be like for North Shore Bank?
I would not be surprised at all if there was a 200-year anniversary, as from the start, senior management has established a culture of strength and stability through conservative growth. As a “right-sized” community bank, we are an invaluable asset to the communities we serve!
Eric with Gilbert Brown at a Packers game
Eric at Packers game with a customer
CRIME BUSTERS
Know your customer to keep them from financial losses
North Shore Bank’s first quarter Crime Busters are: 
- Renee Machado – Senior Checking Services Representative
- Kelly Kading – Northland Personal Banker
- Debra Hahm – Southridge Teller
- Bridget Sobocinski – Grafton Branch Manager
- Denise Dionisio – Cash Flow Coordinator
- Vincent Hoch – Debit Card/ATM Processing Specialist
- Nicole Goska – Green Bay East Teller
- Stephanie Ruiz – Muskego Branch Manager
- Brittany Willis – Milwaukee Capitol Area Teller
- Mike Williams – Milwaukee Capitol Branch Manager
- Danielle Hansen – Kenosha Main Area Manager
- DJ Hostettler – Senior Contact Center Specialist
- Aubrey Abrahamson – Allouez Assistant Branch Manager
- Mariah Hintz – Green Bay East Assistant Branch Manager
- Ryan Alfaro – Travelling Teller
- Marta Micinski Dolan – Kenosha Main Assistant Branch Manager
- JP Kolb – Wauwatosa Teller
- Jeni Mooney – Senior Debit Card/ATM Processing Specialist
Beware of common scams that can occur through pop-ups
Most of us can agree that pop ups are a nuisance! In the pop-up that appears on your screen after visiting a webpage or restarting your computer, there is often a phone number listed you can call. Even if you don’t call, if you click on anything within the pop-up, you might receive a call from the company’s “tech support.”
Once the fraudster has you on the phone they will try and talk you into giving remote access through apps like Any Desk. Once they have access to the PC, they instruct the victim to log into their online banking. The victim is then told there is an issue with their account, and instructed to get their bank on the phone to assist. The fraudster then poses as North Shore Bank and tells the victim they need to send money (either by withdrawing cash to deposit into a Bitcoin ATM or to wire the money for “safe keeping.”) In return, their PC will be fixed, and the money will be sent back to their account.
The victim is coached by the fraudster on what to tell their bank if they are questioned. The fraudster may also attempt to send money using Zelle or Transfer Now through online banking. They may either convince the customer to willingly send the funds or they initiate it without the customer’s knowledge.
Security Says:
What can we do to prevent our customers from taking a financial loss? Know your customer!
Does this customer come to your branch? Fraudsters will typically steer their victim away from branches that know their customers and their transacting behavior.
Does this transaction fall in line with their normal transactions? Look at their history and average balance. Does it make sense for them to wire out most of their money to someone in another state or another country?
Do they know this person and why are they sending them money? Short, vague answers are always an indicator that something might be going on. Remember, fraudsters give their victims (who they do not know) a story to tell the bank. Does that story make sense?
Need more info? Check out these helpful links:
FBI warns of rise in costly technical support scams – Good Morning America
FINANCIAL LITERACY AND EDUCATION
What’s new in Online Banking updates for bank employees
There are some fantastic new updates in Online Banking meant to create more ease and organization for you and your customers. Check them out below!
Real-time alerts:
Real-time alerts are now available to customers in Online Banking. Setting up alerts allow customers to better manage and stay on top of their finances. Available alerts that can be selected include:
- Account balance above threshold
- Account balance below threshold
- Credit transaction was posted
- Debit transaction was posted
- Loan is past due
- Loan payment due at billing
- Transaction over threshold amount
Additionally, there are security alerts in place to help protect customers from potential fraudulent activity or account takeovers. To get started, log into Online Banking (browser based), click on Settings > Security Center > Account and Security Alerts.
My Card Manager enhancement:
A recent enhancement is available through My Card Manager. Customers now have the ability to set up their own PIN number on their debit card. They no longer need to call North Shore Bank, saving them time and helping them better manage their debit card. Simply log into Online Banking (browser based), or the Mobile App, select “Manage Cards” and “Set PIN” to get started.
CDs can now be opened online:
Beginning January 16, existing customers can open a 9-month or 19-month promotional CD online when logging into their Online Banking (browser based) or the Mobile App. Very soon we will offer standard-rate CDs as well. We’re very excited to expand our new account offerings through our online channel.
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AROUND THE BANK
Hunt For Your Number – Reminder!
Continuing in 2024, a randomly selected North Shore Bank employee number will be hidden somewhere in each week’s edition of Shorelines. If you spot your five-digit number, contact HR specialist Morgan Stark to receive your prize!
HEALTHY YOU
Take care of your heart this month
Loneliness and Heart Health – Understanding the Connection
Loneliness, often characterized by a sense of social isolation and a lack of meaningful connections, has become an increasingly prevalent issue in today’s fast-paced and digital world. While the emotional toll of loneliness is well-known, recent research has shed light on its impact on our physical health, particularly concerning heart health.
In addition, loneliness can indirectly impact heart health by influencing lifestyle choices. When feeling isolated, people may be more inclined to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or overeating, all of which can contribute to heart disease. Additionally, individuals experiencing loneliness may be less motivated to exercise or seek medical attention when needed, further exacerbating the risk to their cardiovascular health.
Check out the graphic below for more information and activities that promote social interaction!
Give Your Heart a Workout
Being physically active is one of the best things you can do for your heart. Regular exercise helps reduce your risk for heart disease and adds years to your life. You do not need to spend hours in the gym every day to see benefits. Moving your body just 30 minutes a day is enough to improve your heart health.
Click here for the best activities for your heart!
Community Calendar of Events
Discover events and activities in and around your community
- Milwaukee Business Journal Power Breakfast: presented by North Shore Bank, featuring Dominic Ortiz | Thursday, February 29, 2024 (8:00 AM) @ The Pfister Hotel | 424 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Shorelines Submission Reminder
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- A description of the story or event
- If applicable, when and where the story or event took place
- If applicable, which employees were present and/or are pictured in photographs
- Photo(s)