September Spotlight Danielle

 

Danielle’s story with Artisans’ Bank began long before she became a Relationship Banker II—she was a customer first. What started as visits to her local branch eventually led to an unexpected career, thanks in part to a familiar face who recognized Danielle’s potential and encouraged her to take a chance on something new.

Since joining Artisans in May 2022, Danielle has built a career grounded in curiosity, connection and a genuine desire to help others. But there is much more to Danielle than her role at the Bank. She is quick to laugh, loves a good quote, has a soft spot for family traditions and is slowly working up the courage to sit behind a drum set of her own.

 

Here’s a chance to get to know Danielle a little better.

A: Danielle’s connection to Artisans goes back years. Her parents are longstanding customers, so when Danielle was of age to open her first bank account, it was instinctual to choose Artisans’. Over time, she and the then branch manager of Graylyn, Dee Sedlacek (who has also been spotlighted [insert link]), developed a bond. Dee continually encouraged Danielle to apply for a teller position.

Looking back, there is something special about knowing that her career began because someone took the time to get to know her as a customer, recognized her potential, and gave her the little push she needed to try something new.

 

She joined Artisans’ Bank with no prior banking experience. What she did have was a background in hospitality, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn. Four years later, she has worked her way up to Relationship Banker II—proof that sometimes taking a chance on an unfamiliar path can lead somewhere pretty wonderful.

 

A: To Danielle, the word relationship really is the most important part of her title.

Her job is to get to know the person sitting across from her: what brought them into the Bank, what they need, and what might make their financial life a little easier. She doesn’t view banking as simply matching customers with products. It starts with listening.

 

A: Danielle is particularly enthusiastic about how much Artisans’ online banking has improved. She knows technology can feel intimidating, especially for customers who aren’t accustomed to managing their finances digitally, so she enjoys sitting down with someone and walking them through it.

She also highlights conveniences like contactless debit cards as a benefit for customers. And then Interest Rewards Checking, which gives customers the opportunity to earn interest without having to maintain a daily minimum balance.

 

A: Danielle is a self-described “quoting person,” and “B-E-A-utiful” comes straight from Bruce Almighty. It has become one of those expressions that finds its way into the workday, particularly when things are busy, and everyone could use a little levity.
She has also picked up another favorite from coworker team member June:   “Nothing to it but to do it.”

Both seem particularly appropriate for Danielle. When the day gets hectic, sometimes the best approach is to laugh and keep moving.

 

A: The better question might be: what couldn’t Danielle spend hours talking about?

She lightheartedly describes herself as long-winded. Give her a yes-or-no question, and there is a decent chance you’ll get the backstory and a related story along with the answer.

That love of conversation is part of her winsomeness. Danielle enjoys talking with people and getting to know them—and she doesn’t mind taking the scenic route while doing so.

 

A: Swimming and spending time with friends are favorites, but Danielle has also developed an interest in working with her hands—something that has roots in her family.

Both of her grandfathers were talented craftsmen. One made grandfather clocks and the other made lamps. While Danielle isn’t building grandfather clocks just yet, their creativity sparked an interest in learning practical skills, understanding how things are made, and perhaps creating something of her own.

It’s a hobby she is still discovering, which might be part of what makes it so appealing.

 

A: Very possibly!  Danielle has always loved music and especially loves a good drumline. Her dad played the drums, and one of her cousins was involved in drumline as well, so that interest has always been around her.

Her brother-in-law has already helped move things along by giving her drumsticks, practice equipment, and music to learn. Her father’s drum set is still with her sister and brother-in-law, waiting for Danielle when she’s ready for it.

Drums aren’t Danielle’s only musical connection. She also sings, has performed in the past, and would maybe jump in for some karaoke if the opportunity presented itself. Somewhere, she also has a fifth-grade music video preserved on a CD. She will happily tell you it exists. Getting her to show it to you may be another story.

 

A: Buckeyes—but not just any Buckeyes.

Growing up, Danielle’s aunt in Seattle would make homemade Buckeye candies and mail a tin of them to the family for Christmas. As everyone got older and life became busier, the packages became less frequent, which made it especially meaningful when Danielle received a surprise batch again last Christmas.

Her aunt also sends Danielle and her sister ornaments from places she visits during her travels. Over time, those ornaments have become little reminders of family, shared history and someone thinking of you even when they’re thousands of miles away.

 

A: Danielle’s answer comes courtesy of her sixth-grade teacher, Mr. Baker:  “Life isn’t fair, and then you die.”

She knows. It’s a little dark. But it stuck with her, and adulthood has given the words a different meaning. Life doesn’t always cooperate with our plans. Things happen that we can’t control, and waiting for everything to be fair before moving forward means we may be waiting forever. 

The goal is rather to be happy with what you have when you have it, a lesson many of us could learn.

 

 

A:  During an incredibly challenging time in her life due to a family loss, Danielle has been deeply touched by the kindness shown by her coworkers. Having coworkers who understand that sometimes life follows you through the doors of work—and who respond with compassion when it does—has meant more to Danielle than she can easily put into words.

That experience has made the sense of community she found at Artisans’ feel especially personal.

 

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There is a reason Danielle was nominated for a spotlight multiple times.

Danielle has built an impressive career in this banking industry, but her story focuses on the person she has become. She is curious, self-aware, and attentive to others. She values those who have supported her, cherishes family traditions, and believes in finding reasons to laugh and keep moving forward, even during tough times.

Four years ago, Danielle took a chance because someone at her neighborhood bank kept telling her she should apply.  We’re very glad she finally listened.

 

B-E-A-utiful, indeed.

 

Thank you, Danielle, for sharing your time and story with us.