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CSB Banker Embracing New Career Path in Union Grove
UNION GROVE — Kenosha County native Grace Hanke always dreamed about owning her first home.
“When I put my mind into something, I’ll do just about anything to accomplish it,” Hanke said.
The 21-year-old recently walked into Community State Bank’s Paddock Lake branch and met with CSB Assistant Vice President | Mortgage Loan Officer Joe Canfield.
With plenty of experience working with first-time buyers, Canfield carefully explained the home-buying process and discussed loan requirements and qualifications based on credit score, debt-to-income ratio and employment history.
When Canfield uncovered a small hurdle with Hanke’s employment, he offered the perfect solution.
“At that moment, a light bulb went off,” Canfield said. “I said 'Have you ever thought about banking?'”
Hanke worked two part-time jobs at the time, one as a waitress and another as a cake decorator. A full-time job would provide steady income and help her qualify as a first-time home buyer.
Community State Bank just so happened to be hiring for a full-time Universal Banker at its Union Grove headquarters.
Hanke applied for the job and received a phone call from CSB Human Resources Director Katie Weis. She landed a job offer shortly after her interview.
“Grace demonstrated an outgoing personality and a strong eagerness to learn about the bank,” Weis said. “She was approachable, easy to engage with, and had a genuine, down-to-earth demeanor.”
It was the same qualities Canfield discovered while working with Hanke on her path to home ownership.
“I was impressed with her outgoing, friendly demeanor, knew she had cash handling skills from being a waitress and must have attention to detail being a cake decorator,” said Canfield, who got his start in banking as a part-time teller.
In a matter of weeks, Hanke started a new career, hired a real estate agent and received an accepted offer. She officially became a homeowner on May 26.
Hanke lives with her boyfriend (soon to be fiancé) Vincent and her dog Bear in Paddock Lake.
“It feels great,” said Hanke, a 2023 Westosha Central graduate. “The house is fabulous. We have a beautiful backyard. The house is already renovated and located in a nice, peaceful neighborhood.”
A proud accomplishment and strong testament to teamwork for everyone that came together to make a dream come true.
“Joe and my realtor (Christine Shaurette) were absolutely phenomenal,” Hanke said. “I’m sold on the person. I’m younger and both of them treated me like an adult and helped me throughout the entire process.”
One that provided an invaluable, first-hand experience in community banking, going above and beyond to help others accomplish their goals.
Hanke is already making a name for herself — with her friendly personality and willingness to lend a helping hand — behind the Union Grove teller line.
“Grace has been adjusting extremely well to the banking world,” CSB Retail Operations Director Caitlyn Eulgen said. “She has even developed great, new relationships with customers who know her by name and enjoy visiting with her whenever they stop by.”
ABOUT COMMUNITY STATE BANK
Community State Bank has proudly served the communities of Southeast Wisconsin since 1898. It is a locally owned and operated community bank headquartered in Union Grove, Wisconsin. For more information, please visit CSB.bank.