New HR specialist Lauren Bengtson
Attention, North Shore Bank employees: If you need help with a human resources question, Lauren Bengtson is the name to remember.
Lauren replaces Cheryl Fregoso, who retired last week after 25 years with the bank. She comes to us after a year and a half at archery product manufacturer FeraDyne Outdoors in Superior, where she was hired after graduating from the Labovitz School of Business at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Before that, she also completed HR internships with the City of Brainerd in northern Minnesota and Duluth’s American Precision Avionics.
“The HR team and I are delighted to have Lauren with us — especially now that we know she loves to bake. Not a question we thought to ask in the interview, so we lucked out!” SVP HR and compliance Molly Schissler says. “Seriously, however, we are confident Lauren will be a great addition to HR and the bank as a whole.”
Lauren’s new job marks her first time working for a financial institution, and she is looking forward to learning all she can about the banking industry. She talked to Shorelines about what she likes about HR, why she joined the North Shore Bank team, and her heartfelt desire for Milwaukee-area restaurant recommendations.
How — and why — did you end up in human resources?
I took a variety of introductory courses when I started business school, and the one that stood out was Introduction to Human Resources, where I learned about the wide variety of responsibilities an HR professional holds. I enjoy the combination of working both with people face-to-face and also behind the scenes, so HR has been a good fit. The main focus of my role at FeraDyne was recruiting. I really enjoyed being able to meet each prospective employee and welcome them to the company.
What interested you about working for North Shore Bank?
In August, I visited Milwaukee for the first time to go to a Brewers game with my boyfriend. That weekend, we both decided we wanted to move here. I was drawn to the scenery of Lake Michigan and the endless activities going on in the big city.
When I began researching companies in the Milwaukee area, I saw the job posting for the HR Specialist role here. When I visited the bank’s website, I was impressed by North Shore’s community involvement and the longevity of employees. When I spoke with (talent acquisition manager) Janet Rosenthal and then the HR team as a whole, I got a glimpse of the welcoming atmosphere here. Now I’m excited to meet all of the employees and contribute to the company.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I moved to Milwaukee almost two weeks ago, and so far my favorite things to do outside of work are explore the city and spend time with my Chihuahua, Marco. (He is also 18 percent poodle — I did a pet DNA test.) I had a really good time visiting the Mitchell Park Domes, where I saw several tropical plants. I also enjoy trying new restaurants. My favorite so far has been Kompali Taqueria — I have been three times already! If you have recommendations about where I should eat next, please reach out!
Last of all, what should everybody know about working with you?
I love to bake — especially chocolate chip cookies! Feel free to send me your requests for treats, and I will gladly bring them in to share!