Maribeth with her husband, Mark.

“There’s a lot to remember and a lot to do, so each day is challenging — which is always good!” says loan servicing team leader Maribeth Osmundsen of her job. “It keeps your mind fresh.” She celebrates 25 years with North Shore Bank this month.

After nearly 20 years of success working at and managing our Union Grove branch, Maribeth moved to Corporate in February 2012. While she does miss the people and customers at the branch, she says, it’s been a worthwhile change.

“I’m very operational, and that’s kinda what my job is all about now, while being at the branch was more about sales,” she says. “It was a good move for me and a good opportunity, so I’m glad they hired me up here!”

At Union Grove, Maribeth led her team to win Branch of the Year three times and was named Branch Manager of the Year three times as well. Growing up in the small town gave her an advantage, she says: “I knew a lot of people there, and that’s basically so much of the job — knowing your customers’ needs and just going after the chance to help them. You strive to do the best you can, and the outcome is a bonus!”

Her achievements won her trips to Las Vegas and Mexico, and a Disney Cruise. It’s hard to say which was her favorite. “They were all good! I’d never been on a cruise before, I’d never been to Vegas before, and I’d never been to Mexico before!” But, she says, “If I had to choose, I probably would choose Vegas. I love the nightlife and the shows!”

Her manager, VP and loan servicing manager Joe Fretschel, is unequivocally positive about having Maribeth on board.

“What’s not to love?” he says. “She’s very levelheaded, works hard, refuses to quit until the job is done, and isn’t afraid to make a decision when necessary, which certainly makes my job easier. Maribeth asks good questions, and is never afraid to take an idea or project and run with it. As a manager, I’m always grateful for those employees who are easy to work with, appreciate what you do for them, and give you 100 percent effort even when the task isn’t the most glamorous one.”

Maribeth credits her parents with communicating the importance of working hard and meeting goals. They also impressed upon her the importance of loving your family and friends.

“We’re a huge Italian family — between my mom’s side and my dad’s, I couldn’t even tell you how many of us there are,” Maribeth says. “We’re all over the globe. But we do a lot of things together. Next week we’re going to a Badgers game — there are usually about 30 of us that go every year.”

And she credits North Shore Bank for being able to raise her own family. “Working in Union Grove was a blessing when my children were in school — it was so close to the branch,” she says. Her three kids were involved in many activities, so it was a real plus to be able to see them perform without too much hassle. “That was one of the best times of my life.”

Now, Maribeth says, she plans to stay put for the time being.

“I’m settled here, probably till I retire,” she says of Loan Servicing. “I just take it one day at a time. As long as I have my health, I’m happy to be here.”