We recently sat down with Brandy, our Beltline branch manager, to find out what makes her an AllStar. Brandy has over a decade of experience as a branch manager at AllSouth. Let's find out a little bit more about our April AllStar.
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself?
A: I'm from Kansas City, Missouri. I'm a huge Chiefs fan—I love football. But I came to Columbia in 2009 and started with AllSouth in 2010. I started in our Cayce branch and stayed there until 2013. I left for about a year and a half to return to Kansas City. Then, I moved back in 2015 and started back with AllSouth. I managed the Bluff branch until it closed in 2021, and me and my team transferred to the Beltline branch.
I have two kids: a 14-year-old daughter named Jordan and a 12-year-old son named Vernon. I've been married for three years. I met my husband, Kenyatta, during the pandemic, and we got married in 2021.
Q: How did you get your start at AllSouth?
A: I worked in banking for about five years, but I only worked at banks. I saw the posting for AllSouth and was interested in seeing how credit unions are different. So that's what made me apply, and I loved it! When I went back to Kansas City, I worked at a bank again, but realized working at a credit union was a better fit for me.
Q: What is your favorite part about being a manager?
A: I get to do a little bit of everything. Because Beltline is a smaller branch, I work on the teller line a few hours each week. I assist members with opening new accounts and securing loans. But my favorite aspect is getting to teach my team. I used to be a teacher, and now I still get to teach in this role through teaching my staff. I get to train; I get to utilize my English degree when we provide written communication to members and other AllSouth employees; and I'm always happy to proofread if someone from my team needs help. It's rewarding to get to use my teaching background in this role but in a different way.
Daresha, a former colleague, said:
“She is truly a lifelong mentor who takes pride in her work. Her attention to detail is one of her many strengths. It's been a pleasure to work with Brandy, and I'm happy to see her get the opportunity to shine as an AllSouth AllStar!”
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your role?
I'll say it's twofold. I've had a lot of employees that have been promoted. I think it's very rewarding because that means I must be doing something right to help these employees start as tellers and move on to managers. I had an employee that got two promotions within three months. Seeing them go is hard, but I'm helping them reach their goal. Secondly, it's being able to help members. I've had members who have followed me from different branches because they want to come to me and know that I will do the best I can to meet their needs.
Q: As a branch manager, how do you inspire your team?
A: I get to know them first to see what inspires them. My team loves games, so games help and encourage them. We do a lot of quizzes and product-knowledge-based games. They have a Bingo square, and we do a question of the week. Sometimes we like to do Family Feud-style games. They love it, and it also helps them learn about products, services, and features.
Q: What’s the best financial advice you have received?
A: Start saving early. No matter how much you make – put something away.
Q: If you weren’t working at AllSouth, what would your dream job be?
A: My dream job would be to work as a movie director. My major was English, but my minor was speech and drama. I've written plays for my church and skits with my Youth Group.
Q: How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
A: I enjoy spending time with my family. We love watching movies together.
Other team members that work closely with Brandy had this to say about her:
"Brandy is compassionate, caring, and honest. I enjoy having her as my branch manager."