In this month’s local business Open Book video interview, Lisa Ash dives into a conversation with TruStone Financial Personal Banker II expert, Carla Scanlon to learn more about what it takes to become a Personal Banker II, why she chose the career path she did, and why she chose to follow that path with TruStone Financial Credit Union in Maple Grove MN.
Meet TruStone Financial Personal Banker II, Carla Scanlon with the Maple Grove branch location.
When asked about how she and Lisa met and what drives her to do what she does for her member clients, here’s what Carla had to say:
“Lisa and I have known each for a couple of years now, We met through a local business networking group we both belong to that meets weekly. Lisa is the expert REALTOR® within this group and I hold the Personal Banker position within the group.
Through our weekly meetings we are able to keep each updated on what’s happening in each of our business worlds and how it affects the communities, people, and businesses we might serve. Having that resource in one another helps us become an even more valuable asset for our individual clients.
I LOVE my job because I get to help those who are unsure of which way to turn — what options they have in achieving financial goals in their personal or business life, and what resources are at their fingertips until we talk and put together a possible strategy for them. I love tackling challenges – especially at the benefit of our members.
Being able to help our member-clients in that way drives me to do what I do – every day – to help those in need.
Everyone has a “story”. Our members have a story. I can do things that many other financial intuitions cannot because I really listen to their - and I understand that there’s often more to that story than what a form of checkboxes can define.
Our TruStone credit union members come to me to figure out how to make their lives more enjoyable by achieve financial goals or relieving financial obstacles.
If I can get the “what happened” I can often find ways to help fix what’s ailing our members or provide some solutions to help move them forward.
For example, the refinancing of a vehicle loan to a lower rate is an enjoyable outcome and relieves a bit of possible strain on a household budget. When our members find out I can help them do this for them and help save them some money, it puts a smile on my face.”
Carla continues on to explain the difference between a credit union and a bank, and what makes TruStone Financial different from other credit unions as well as what it means to be a Personal Banker II.
“A good majority of the reason we are able to accomplish more for our members is because of approach and because of our structure as a financial institution. I am a Personal Banker with TruStone Financial which is a credit union which is much different than a traditional national or even a community bank. Credit Unions work for the community of its members — we don’t have or are beholden to stockholders. We offer benefits and programs to our community that give back to that membership in many ways. Some examples of this include:
— No cashier’s check fees
— Easy, online-banking app access
— Special rewards programs on credit cards and debit cards
— In-house lending approvals
— Lower processing fees and typically higher savings rates
— Specialty lending solutions such as commercial lending, construction loans, aircraft
loans, student loans, adoption loans, auto loans, and home equity loans
— More personalized, hands-on approach to member servicing
— And so much more!
The difference between TruStone Financial from other credit unions is a number of guidelines we have that other credit unions don’t have.
Some of these guidelines empower lending capabilities that other credit unions may not offer and certainly not traditional banking institutions. For example, our credit pulls are good for 60 days and allow us the ability it utilize for multiple reasons for our members. This saves them time and money and makes the process more smooth.
My actual title with TruStone is Personal Banker II which means I can help our member clients with more than just checking accounts and auto loans.
As a Personal Banker II, I am also able to help member clients close on mortgages or business loans which opens up a whole coordinated set of opportunities for members. From start to finish I can start an application in 1st position or 2ndposition and put our members in a better position.
Whether you run your own business or you’re responsible for managing a household it is important for the average person to have a personal banker in their corner.
Many financial institutions talk about having a relationship with their clients, but we actually have that at TruStone. Our members email questions, concerns, or requests to me directly for assistance with, and in many cases, I can assist them right through email. Knowing the member from a more personal level and knowing their goals is also very important. With that level of personal connection, I am better positioned to help tackle budgeting goals and concerns.
I can help members review their budgets and evaluate how they are spending their money, then provide them different or improved strategies to relieve that budget or grow their bottom line — and I live for making that happen.”
If you or someone you know could benefit from a better relationship with your personal banker, then you should reach out to Carla Scanlon with TruStone Financial Credit Union in Maple Grove.
Email Carla at Carla.Scanlon@TruStone.org
or call 763-450-7701 to schedule a time to talk about your financial goals and concerns today.
TruStone Financial is Insured by NCUA and is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender | NMLS #781622
