How long have you been in Scarborough? Since 2008. I grew up in South Portland and lived in New York and New Jersey before returning to Maine when my oldest child was approaching school age.
Why Scarborough?
We were looking in this area and found our dream home on a quiet, dead-end road right by the Eastern Trail, across from Blue Point Primary School.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Scarborough?
I love walking my dog at Fuller Farm. I go at least three times a week. We also walk on the Eastern Trail and Pine Point Beach.
What’s your ideal summer day in Scarborough?
Going for a walk through the trails near where I live is wonderful. You can smell the ocean and the salt air. We pass people bike riding and walking. I hear kids laughing at Peterson Field. It feels like a community.
What to you represents the best of Scarborough?
The school system. The community has been amazing to my kids. (Now 17, 21, and 23.)
I’m never leaving Scarborough. My daughter works at the veteran’s home and my sons work at Dunstan Tap and Table. We’re all one community.
What is your greatest hope for Scarborough?
My hopes for Scarborough are kind of coming true. With everything that is happening and all the new businesses coming, we still have a small-town feel. We’re adapting and evolving. It’s a good balance. Having said that, I’d love if we had a dog park.
How did you end up at Evergreen?
I knew Jason Lindstrom, Evergreen’s CEO, because our kids went to school together. I was working at another financial institution at the time and he suggested that I apply. It’s the best decision I ever made.
What have you learned about Scarborough through opening this branch?
I always knew people were kind, but seeing members on a daily basis has really reinforced that – seeing their generosity and kindness. They’re grateful for the new location and they appreciate seeing us in the community.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
I like being able to help people who are struggling. For example, there was a single mom who hadn’t been able to get a loan to help her son go to college because her credit was so bad. I gave her some financial counseling and helped her make a plan to improve her credit. Eight months later, she was approved for a $2,500 loan. It wasn’t much but it was a start. Seeing the joy on her face was so rewarding. Someone else had a 19% car loan that I refinanced, which saved them over $400 per month. People really appreciate something like that. This week someone came in with a gift of soap and a card to thank me for helping them. It’s so rewarding if people are struggling.
Who in Scarborough would most benefit from Evergreen?
All small businesses. Credit unions traditionally serve households but we work with a lot of businesses. We do smaller loans that many banks stay away from, like helping someone buy a snowplow for their truck.
What’s something no one in town knows about you?
Well, I have a scooter that I buzz around town on and no one knows it’s me because I wear a full helmet. It can go 42 mph if I max it out. [Laughs]
What is it like working with Jason Lindstrom, Evergreen’s CEO?
Jason isn’t just a CEO, he’s a person. I love that about him. You can message him privately, text him, Facebook friend him… it’s not like anyplace else I’ve ever worked. Anyone, from a teller on up, can contact him. I was at another institution for four year and talked to the CEO twice. Jason is an equal. It’s huge.
