Stephanie Bluemel

A few months ago, Muskego branch manager Stephanie Bluemel was handing out rolls of quarters at a local laundromat as part of the bank’s Bank on Kindness project.

“During my visit, I met a lady who started talking about how she was doing her laundry there because she was in the process of remodeling and getting a new washer and dryer,” Stephanie said. “As soon as I heard this, I went back to the branch, grabbed my business card and our credit card brochure, and went back to the laundromat.” The woman told Stephanie she really appreciated the information, but that she was already working with a local credit union for a loan.

Just recently, however, the woman got in touch to schedule an appointment, saying she was unhappy with the service she’d received from the credit union. “She was unhappy that they were not open and that if she wanted to reach out to her local branch, she had to go through the call center,” Stephanie said.

At the appointment, Stephanie opened a checking account for both the woman and her husband, as well as changing over their direct deposits, submitting a credit card application, and getting the ball rolling on a home equity loan application too.

“She is a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and that she was meant to meet me that day and is so grateful she did,” Stephanie said. “She said she is very excited to start her new relationship with North Shore Bank.” And when the new customer’s sister asked why she made the change, the customer replied, “Because of Stephanie.”

“The biggest thing I can say about this opportunity is: Always be listening for triggers,” Stephanie said. “And not all sales happen in your office.” Nice work!