What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
My first job was at Taco Bell as a cashier. I learned quickly a friendly smile and hello went a long way. I typically worked the morning/day shift and would help prep the store opening the doors. Being on time and dependable was much appreciated in the restaurant business. To this day, these traits are still important to me being on the retail-side of banking.
What drew you to banking?
To be honest, I wasn’t planning to go into the banking field. I accepted a summer job at a local bank working as a teller, which turned into a 32-year career and is still going. I knew I wanted a career that was geared toward customer service, and that’s exactly what I found at the bank. I should have known at a young age I was destined to be a banker as I come from a long line of bankers in my family.
You will be supervising your bank’s first apprentice under the IBA’s new Financial Services Academy apprenticeship. What makes you excited about this new path forward for the industry?
I am honored to be supervising this new initiative. I think it is important to get high school students excited about their future and what opportunities might lie ahead. Not all students will take the college path, so this is a great alternative. I am looking forward to working one-on-one with our new apprentice and creating a template that will be effective for years to come.
Do you have previous experience with student education or apprenticeship programs?
Yes, I have experience working with student education programs, particularly in the area of financial literacy. Over the past 15 years, I have developed a strong passion for assisting and educating individuals of all ages on essential financial skills. I have enjoyed teaching topics such as how to open and manage checking and savings accounts, the importance of saving, and how to create and maintain a budget.
I have developed a strong passion for assisting and educating individuals of all ages on essential financial skills.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in banking?
Take advantage of working closely with your Culture Coach who is a seasoned employee at the bank. Go the extra mile! Make yourself sticky! Say yes to the opportunities! Join lunch club! Attend the quarterly staff meetings! Ask questions! Soak up as much information as you can! Finally, embrace change as an opportunity and don’t get too comfortable.
“Amy is an incredibly valuable member of our team. She exemplifies our values and culture, and as manager of two of our downtown banking centers, she has mentored and coached dozens of employees to go onto other positions in the bank. Because of her history of successful coaching, we asked Amy to work directly with the apprentice we intend to hire as part of the IBA’s Financial Services Academy program.”
– Mark E. Bruin
President & CEO
The National Bank of Indianapolis
What is the thing you have done/accomplished, professionally or personally, that you are the most proud of?
When I started at The National Bank of Indianapolis, I did not have my college degree. I knew from day one that I wanted to make this my career. I received my associate degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. I returned to college to finish my bachelor’s degree when my son was only 2 years old. Working full-time, being a full-time mother and going to school full-time in the evening was challenging, but with my determination and lots of hard work, I did it! Earning my degree was one of the most rewarding accomplishments of my life!
What is your go-to comfort food?
I try my best to stick to a low carb diet, so my go-to comfort food is chicken wings. I can change the flavors, so I don’t get bored. I can choose flavors such as classic buffalo, garlic parmesan or dry rubs. When I am craving carbs, you will see me snacking on chips and salsa.
What do you do for fun when you are not working?
I love the summer months, spending time at home in our backyard enjoying long summer days, swimming in our pool and cooking out with friends. When we are not at home, you will find us spending time with family and friends taking advantage of local festivals, restaurants and sporting events. One of our favorite things to do in the summer is to head to Cincinnati to catch a Reds game. Our goal is to visit every MLB stadium throughout the country. Currently, we have been to 14 stadiums. My husband and I joined a bowling league last year to make the winter pass by faster. We plan to join again this year.
Tell us about something on your bucket list.
I have always dreamed of traveling to Ireland. I long to experience its rolling green hills, dramatic coastlines, charming countryside and the simple joy of conversing with the locals. My husband and I plan to make this dream come true next year as we celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary.
What’s your favorite memory?
My son started playing baseball at the age of 3, and I wouldn’t change a single moment of that journey for the world. Over the years, we met many wonderful families who quickly became lifetime friends. He attended Scecina Memorial High School, where his team made it to semi-state finals during his sophomore year. His shining moment came during the second regional game; one I will never forget. The score was tied, with two runners on base and one out and the opposing team intentionally walked the batter ahead of Owen, loading the bases and hoping for a ground ball double play. Instead, Owen rose to the occasion, driving the ball into left-center and bringing in two runners to win the game. Nothing is better than watching your child succeed at something they love!
