At AllSouth we’re happy to say that we have many ‘all-stars’, team members who work hard to serve our members and their fellow team members. Meet Hollie, our featured AllSouth AllStar, who exudes dedication, friendliness, and service. She joined our team eight years ago as a Teller and has worked her way up through the ranks. We sat down with Hollie to ask her questions in order to learn more about where all this charisma comes from and what makes her an AllSouth AllStar.
"Hollie genuinely loves people and getting to know our members and team members. She truly cares about building relationships and finding ways to help anyone who visits the Lexington branch,” said Christin
How did you get into banking?
Hollie G.: I was in retail for 20 years and was ready for a change. My family is top priority, and I wanted a career that would allow me to spend more time with them. I chose banking because it looked like an “easy job,” and it would allow me the opportunity to help people differently. Although, I must admit, I was drawn by the banking hours as well. Little did I know that I would face many challenges (good and bad) along the way, but my career has been rewarding in so many ways.
What’s your current position? Job responsibilities?
HG: Currently, I am the head teller at our Lexington branch. I supervise tellers and assist with everyday transactions to help make a better experience for our members. I also assist the branch manager and vault teller in ensuring the branch is operating smoothly.
What's a typical day like for you?
HG: On any given day, you’ll find me behind the teller line assisting members with their transactions such as making deposits or answering questions. Also, I supervise, train, and assist tellers as needed.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
HG: It gives me great pleasure to assist members with their financial needs. However, the one thing I enjoy most about my job is working with amazing people. Working with our AllSouth team makes coming to work enjoyable for me. We work great together, and we have mutual respect for one another. Some of our team members have been with us for over 20 years. (Actually, AllSouth has team members who have been with us for over 30 years!) They have experience and a wealth of knowledge they willingly share with the rest of the team.
Share a memorable time you were able to help a member overcome an obstacle they were facing. What solution did you offer to help their situation?
HG: We encounter members daily who face life’s obstacles for many different reasons. There are many memorable moments I could share, but what stands out the most these days is our members’ need for financial assistance to help make ends meet or handle unexpected expenses. In most cases, we’re able to suggest a line of credit as an option to help them during this time. A line of credit offers a convenient and flexible way to access funds immediately. The member can use the funds as needed until the credit limit is reached. Once the loan is paid off, the member can borrow from it again up to the credit limit. It could be a good resource for emergencies.
What’s the best financial advice you'd give?
HG: With the high volume of spam and fraud that we have seen, my advice would be, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." I would highly encourage a member that feels they may be the victim of fraud or a scam to reach out to us or call and ask questions before giving out personal information. We would much rather help and answer questions before they divulge too much information to the wrong person.
What’s the one budgeting tip or tool you use for managing your finances?
HG: I use one credit card for all of my spending each month, whether that's household costs or daily needs, to take advantage of the cash back rewards on my card. Then I pay the full balance to avoid incurring interest on the balance. The free cash is available to use for other purchases. I find this works well for me and my family.
What do you attribute your success to, and why?
HG: I attribute my success to my ability to talk to others. I love talking to people. It has helped me get to know my team members and many members I’ve connected with throughout the years. I think I’ve become more than just a teller to many members as I get to hear about their life stories and events.
What's a career accomplishment you’re most proud of?
HG: I feel accomplished daily. When I can help a member or potential member meet their financial need, whether offering a product or service they need or providing helpful financial education, I feel a great sense of accomplishment knowing I was able to make a difference in their lives.
What's your favorite quote or philosophy in life?
HG: I truly believe that it’s important to treat others as you would like them to treat you.