NORTH SHORE STARS

Luebke, Kellman named finalists for prestigious WMBA award

Two members of North Shore Bank’s mortgage team are finalists for a Wisconsin mortgage industry award this spring. Senior Mortgage Lender Steve Luebke and Senior Vice President, Consumer Credit Sales Mike Kellman have been named finalists for the Mortgage Banker of the Year award by the Wisconsin Mortgage Bankers Association. This recognition is part of the WMBA’s 10th Annual Best in Business Awards, which celebrates the most outstanding professionals in our field.

“The award recognizes individuals who exemplify what makes our mortgage team so special—they’re knowledgeable, hardworking, and dedicated to providing amazing customer service. Their nomination highlights not just their talents, but the strength of our entire mortgage department,” said President & CEO Jay McKenna. 

The winners will be announced at the Best in Business Awards Gala on April 3 at the Sheraton Madison Hotel. The celebration includes a cocktail reception honoring all finalists, followed by a dinner and the awards ceremony.

Congratulations to Steve and Mike for being recognized for this honor!

 

SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES

Kristin Monday celebrates 20 years with North Shore Bank

Today we’re celebrating Accounting Operations Manager Kristin Monday, who marks her 20th anniversary with North Shore Bank this month. The following is a lightly edited interview with Kristin about her career, experiences, and what keeps her motivated after two decades with our team.

Did you work in banking before North Shore Bank?

I started at a credit union in high school but didn’t get a full-time position. I then applied at the Bank of Kenosha, where I was hired for a new branch they were opening. I worked as a teller, then teller supervisor, and eventually moved into the accounting department. Later, North Shore Bank absorbed Bank of Kenosha, and I joined the accounting department here.

What roles have you held in your time at North Shore Bank?

I started as an accounting supervisor, then moved up to senior financial accountant/analyst, and now I am the Accounting Operations Manager.

How has the company or industry changed since you first started?

The technology of everything that has to do with banking has changed dramatically. In my first teller job, we didn’t scan anything. We used printers with paper that had holes on the sides, made duplicates, used adding machines to keep track of everything, and filed cards that people filled out. At Bank of Kenosha, we started scanning our work. Everything was quick. North Shore Bank is more advanced, especially with how much we use Excel to do everything. On the teller line, machines now count cash for you, and we even have video tellers.

What has kept you motivated and engaged for 20 years?

My work is always changing, with new scenarios, situations, products, and projects thrown my way. There’s always room to learn and improve. My manager role includes more HR-type responsibilities, adding an extra level of working with people rather than just numbers. It’s a good change, and I enjoy it. I currently manage three people.

What is one of your proudest accomplishments during your time here?

It’s more personal but also helped my career at the bank—I finished my master’s degree a few years ago. It was a lot of hard work, but my career in banking helped me excel, and I graduated with distinction. I was able to apply my skills to classes and tasks. I’ve also been part of projects that have helped the bank.

What do you enjoy most about working with your North Shore Bank colleagues?

I like that we’re a small department—just seven people—and work closely together. We all know each other’s work styles and are willing and able to jump in when someone needs help. That makes everything a lot easier. We have good camaraderie and collaborate well together.

Has anyone at the bank been especially helpful to you as you have grown your career here?

Heather Stevlingson, Senior Vice President Controller, and Ann Marie Krecak, Vice President, Assistant Controller, have been a guiding force in my career. Not just in accounting, but as I’ve become a newer manager, they’ve been guiding me and helping me develop those skills.

What advice would you give someone just starting in this field?

Try to learn anything and everything that you can. Explore all the departments. When I started, I came in as a teller. That was my focus, and I thought I wanted to be a personal banker and stay in the retail field. That was definitely not my cup of tea. When an opening in accounting came up, I decided to try it, and I loved it. I started completely differently from what I’m doing now.

We have a job shadow program where you can shadow for a day or a certain amount of time. I’ve done one in the underwriting field because I didn’t know much about it. I found it so fascinating. I’ve gotten the same feedback from people who have done job shadows in our department—they’re amazed at what happens behind the scenes.

What are your future goals at North Shore Bank?

I want to keep building my skills as a leader and manager. I’m in the Emerging Leaders Group and currently serve as vice chair. I’m looking forward to what we have planned and our good outline for this year. I’m excited about working on more projects and adding value to North Shore Bank.

Kristin’s work mentors wanted the chance to congratulate her on her 20th anniversary.

Heather called Kristin “our operational backbone,” noting that she oversees critical department functions such as wire transfers, accounts payable, and cash management and plays a key role in the annual budget process.

“She has a bright, positive outlook and great sense of humor, which makes her a lot of fun to work with. Although it is her 20th anniversary, I hope it is just the beginning!” Heather said.

Ann Marie also finds Kristin a pleasure to work with. “I have only worked with Kristin less than half her total time here, but I feel our paths are connected. We both have an operational background that is beneficial to our work,” she said, noting that Kristin’s desire to keep working on her professional development has been a real benefit to the bank. 

Congratulations to Kristin on 20 years with North Shore Bank!

 

OUT OF OFFICE

Bank employees show off their crafty side at painting classes

Several of our colleagues have discovered a colorful way to spend quality time with their loved ones and friends! Recently, Jack Taddy from Brookfield Capitol, Matthew Cieslak from Brookfield Square, and Elora Schulte from Muskego scratched the creative itch at local paint-and-sip classes.

Jack, a Personal Banker at Brookfield Capitol, celebrated his fifth wedding anniversary with his wife Holly during a special weekend getaway to Madison. 03283 Despite his limited painting experience, Jack dove right in alongside his artistically talented spouse.

“We did this as part of a weekend getaway to Madison celebrating our anniversary. I have painted only a couple of times before, and I have never done a class like this,” Jack shared. “Holly, however, is a rather experienced artist, and we have several of her paintings hanging on the walls of our house.”

The couple enjoyed their creative session with a twist on the traditional wine pairing. “Neither of us are wine drinkers, but we did enjoy a boozy hot chocolate with our class,” he said, noting that he felt good that his painting looked very similar to Holly’s. Jack plans to give his painting to his mom for Mother’s Day! 

Meanwhile, Brookfield Square Assistant Branch Manager Matthew Cieslak attended a paint night as part of a larger birthday celebration with Elora, his girlfriend and a newly hired teller at the Muskego branch. 

“I do paint rather frequently, however my ‘medium’ is actually miniatures,” Matthew explained. “I have been painting ‘toy soldiers’ and game pieces for over 15 years.”

The event took a competitive turn when Elora challenged Matthew to venture beyond the guided prompt. “I think given the fact Elora challenged me to paint something besides the guided prompt that I performed very well. I am by no means a talented canvas artist, but I’d like to think the blending on my rainbow was pretty stellar,” he said. 

Nice work, Matthew, Elora, and Jack! 

 

FYI

Free Milwaukee Public Museum tickets available just in time for spring break

We’re excited to share that free Milwaukee Public Museum tickets are now available to all employees. These complimentary tickets are valid through April 30, 2025, while supplies last, and include admission to both the museum and the planetarium program. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore one of our city’s cultural treasures, especially as we approach spring break when many of us are looking for enjoyable activities with family and friends.

With the new museum building set to open in 2027, this is an excellent chance to experience the current exhibits before the big move. The museum offers something for everyone—from dinosaurs and butterflies to cultural exhibits and interactive displays. If you’re interested in claiming some tickets, simply send an email to Nancy Hanson.

For more information about current exhibitions and planetarium shows, check out the museum’s events page at https://www.mpm.edu/events-programs. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to take advantage of this perk and create some memorable experiences!

 

What’s new with you? Share it with Shorelines!

Just a reminder that we’re always looking for fun and exciting things to share in Shorelines.  Whether it’s a special event at your branch or a shout-out to one of your coworkers, a great trip you went on with family or friends, information about a half-marathon you’re running, or even just a fantastic photo you took over the weekend, we’d love to share it! Please email shorelines@northshorebank.com to have your news included in a future issue.

 

Customer Loyalty Tip of the Week

Demonstrate sincere enthusiasm when helping your customers.

 

COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Discover events and activities in and around your community

• The Unstoppable Cup 3v3 Wheelchair Basketball Charitable Tournament | Friday, March 14 (9:00 AM) | Jewish Community Center | 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay, WI
• Home Lending Seminar | Saturday, March 15 (11:00 AM) | North Shore Bank – Community Room | 4230 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee, WI
• Best Practices for Business Fraud Prevention and Being a Scam-Savvy Customer | Saturday, April 12 (11:00 AM) | North Shore Bank – Community Room | 4230 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee, WI