Maribeth Osmundsen

Of Maribeth Osmundsen’s 20 years in banking, all but a year-and-a-half were spent at our Union Grove branch, although it was Marquette Savings Bank when she started as a teller in 1993.

She moved up to teller supervisor and then to branch manager, where she led her team in earning three Branch of the Year awards as well as capturing the runner-up spot several times.

“Steve Steiner called us The Little Engine That Could because we were such a small office in such a small market, but we consistently did well in meeting our goals,” she says.

In her current role of consumer loan operations team leader, Maribeth and co-worker Kelly Thiemer process closing documents submitted to Corporate by the branches. Although she misses her co-workers in that office and the close contact she had with customers — “In a small town like Union Grove, you know everyone who comes in,” she says — she is enjoying working at the bank’s headquarters.

Maribeth appreciates having started in banking when there was less specialization. “We used to do everything from opening new accounts to transactions, loans, customer service and file maintenance. There was a lot of variety, and you learned about banking overall. There are more job titles today, and the tasks that go with them are narrower.”

Reflecting on her career progression, she especially credits three people who inspired and guided her: Lauri Lunde, Kathy Storck and Joe Fretschel. “Lauri was one of the first branch managers I met when we merged in 2000, and she was my go-to person when I became manager in Union Grove. When Kathy retired from her position of operational DM, Lauri became my district manager. Lauri and Kathy both were so knowledgeable and patient with me. Joe has been extremely helpful in the time I have been in the loan department. He has taught me a lot, and I’m still learning in the ‘class’ sessions we have.”

She has had a chance to return the favor, citing her role as mentor a highlight of her years so far. “Several people at my branch have become very successful not only here at North Shore Bank, but in careers outside the bank. I’m very proud of them.” (She adds: “You know who you are!”)

Maribeth laughs when she thinks about what direction she expected her life to take after graduating from high school. “Don’t laugh, but I wanted to go to New York and get into modeling,” she says. “My father would not allow it.” She wasn’t happy at the time, of course, but in hindsight, she’s glad he was so firm with her.

However, she was in New York in May when her son, Mark, graduated cum laude from Marymount Manhattan. A fine arts modern dance major, he already has a role with one of the many dance troupes that fill New York theaters. “I can enjoy New York through him,” Maribeth says.

Meanwhile, she credits customers and colleagues for keeping her at North Shore for 20 years. “I have worked with some great people, and I feel like we are family.” She encourages new hires to build solid work relationships: “Have a great personality, and be willing to help your co-workers for the good of the customer.”