Considering that Jan Konkol started working part time at a Milwaukee bank in 1971 during her college years and is retiring on Feb. 14, she could write a book about her 41½-year banking career.
In case that isn’t in her retirement plans, here’s a snapshot that takes us on the road she’s traveled.
Although Jan started college expecting to go into teaching or nursing, her first love had always been math. She decided to switch to finance, which meant classes in accounting, statistics, economics — and learning people skills.
“From then on, I loved college,” she says. “I guess it was natural that I wound up in banking as manager of training and development; I ended up teaching after all.”
After graduation from UWM, she continued with her original employer, accepting roles in accounting, customer service, data processing (“Today it’s IT,” she clarifies), deposit operations, facilities, loan servicing, HR and training, holding multiple management positions along the way.
By 1997, mergers and acquisitions prompted her to leave what had become TCF Bank, but management invited her to extend the affiliation by serving on TCF’s Wisconsin board of directors. Her combined experience has included participating in 11 acquisitions, 14 computer/data conversions and three internal data conversions.
Jan served for two years, and then she got a call from Dick Brophy, a colleague since the early ’70s, inviting her to assist with North Shore Bank’s efforts to prepare for Y2K, the transition to 2000.
Jan stepped down from her board role and helped North Shore Bank glide smoothly into 2000. She was ready to resume what she had considered retirement when Dick had another request: There was an unexpected opening for someone to head our deposit operations. She accepted, and for three years Jan oversaw a variety of functions including checking, electronic banking, deposit services, the introduction of online banking for customers, and the acquisition and conversion of the TCF branches from the Appleton area and Marquette Savings Bank.
A family member’s health issues intervened, and she left North Shore in 2002, returning in 2004 to manage mortgage servicing and processing. She transitioned to her current position, manager of training and development, in 2006.
Years of technology advances bring positives, negatives
Longtime bankers such as Jan have seen a lot of change in four decades, and she highlights in particular interest rates, bank mergers, fluctuating bank stability (except for rock-solid NSB) and technology.
All of Jan’s roles have been profoundly affected by the evolution of technology: “I am amazed how far technology has come and how quickly it continues to change. From teller posting machines with rows of numeric and alphabetical keys and a print carriage that moved automatically from side to side, to today’s PCs and video tellers; from the banking convenience of ATMs to mobile banking on a smartphone or tablet; from microfilm to digital imaging and scanning; from 5-inch floppy disks to cloud computing; from adding machines with pull handles to spreadsheets; from carbon paper to digital printers; from filmstrips to e-learning, and much more.”
Acknowledging both positives and negatives, Jan says, “Technology has made life so much easier in so many ways. The downside? It has made our lives so much more fast-paced.”
People today are less patient when waiting for information or results, she observes, and she recognizes that technology in some cases complicates communication. “Email communication can create misunderstandings compared to voice and in-person communication.” She thinks picking up the phone — another technology advance, she points out — and simply having a conversation can sometimes help.
North Shore Bank and its people ‘exceptional’
Jan has appreciated the caliber of people she has had the privilege to work with here. “When I talk with friends outside of North Shore, I realize how exceptional it is to find an environment where people care about each other and their customers. It goes beyond being cordial; our employees often go out of their way to serve each other and our customers.”
She has had so many gratifying professional relationships that it would be impossible to name everyone who has contributed to her job satisfaction and success. But in part because of longevity, she mentions Dick Brophy. “He was so patient, so encouraging. He was a wonderful coach and mentor.”
It’s not surprising that coaching, counseling and training employees rank highest among Jan’s fond memories as she departs. “My best feelings come from seeing the people with whom I’ve had some influence succeed in their positions and in their careers. I feel so proud when I see them grasp a new skill or get a promotion.”
She hopes we’ll keep her informed when employees she knows achieve success or reach a milestone. “I want to be able to celebrate with them in spirit, even if I’m not here to congratulate them in person.”
Jan’s advice for those who want to move up is a product of her experience: Focus on earning trust and respect from all co-workers — and granting it to them, too. Acquire a variety of skills, so you’re ready for opportunities in multiple banking functions. Ask questions to continue growing in the ever-changing world of banking. And have patience.
“Upper management recognizes that North Shore’s greatest asset is employees — their knowledge and experience,” she says. “The more you gain of each, the greater your opportunities. But remember that things don’t happen overnight.”
Jan says ‘Yes!’ to all retirement will offer
When asked about her retirement plans — travel? hobbies? volunteerism? — Jan simply responds, “Yes!” What she doesn’t plan to do is sleep late or fall behind.
“One fear I have about retirement is maintaining what I consider a ‘young attitude,’” Jan says. “My position here has made it easy to keep up with technology and with the language and interests of our younger employees.”
For starters, Jan will enroll in classes to master every aspect of the iPad her husband, Rick, gave her for Christmas.
Rick already is retired, so they will be free to travel. And when the weather warms up, they’ll be ready to tackle creating a small garden, something she has wanted to do, but has not had enough time to develop.
She’d also like to volunteer as a tutor for children or teens. It’s evident that the teacher in Jan continues to guide her life’s choices.
Kudos shower competent, contributing, loyal staffer
VP of Human Resources Molly Schissler has appreciated Jan’s contributions, especially in the HR area. “I am fortunate to have worked with a number of great people in my career so far. Jan is definitely one of those greats! She has been such a tremendous asset to our training and HR departments, and I am going to miss her guidance and camaraderie. Thank you, Jan, for welcoming me to North Shore and for being a good friend.”
Vice President of Customer Support Jude Lengell adds, “Jan is truly one of a kind. She has been a mentor and an amazing friend to me over the course of 30 years. Jan has left her indelible mark on many. As she begins this whole new exciting chapter, I wish for her a lifetime full of love and laughter.”
“Retirement?” asks Chairman and CEO Jim McKenna. “Haven’t I been here before with you, Jan? Well, if you insist this time. We’ve brought you out of retirement in the past to serve the bank in various capacities where you were needed. The self-sacrifice you’ve made on our behalf will always be appreciated. What I will miss most about you is that wonderful smile, which never seems to leave you face. I personally wish you and Rick all the best in your future travels.”