Mike Jean, Business Loan Officer at Saco & Biddeford Savings, is celebrating his 15-year work anniversary! We recently interviewed him about what brought him to SBSI, why he enjoys working with us and what he likes to do with his free time!
What brought you to SBSI?
Around 2008, I was working as an independent contractor doing loans. The market was starting to slow down, and my daughter, Sam, became really sick at that time. I knew Jim Gove, who worked at the bank at the time. He was the one that told me SBSI was hiring.
Our family's healthcare needs were getting costly with my daughter having spent many days and weeks at Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, all of that had me thinking about where I might really want to go with my life.
I wasn’t even sure I could work for a bank. Regardless, I applied, and went to a couple of interviews and it turned out to be a really good fit.
How have you moved or advanced between departments/branches?
I started as a Business/Commercial Loan Officer. I moved into a Westbrook branch and I was there for quite a few years. When they opened Portland, they asked if I had any interest.
Quite honestly, a lot of the customers at the bank were customers from my old job, and I was based in Portland, so it made sense for me to move into the Portland market. It's worked out pretty well.
Why do you enjoy working at SBSI?
I came from working for myself independently for a long time. I think when I started working at SBSI, I wasn't sure what the work culture would be like. I learned really quickly that SBSI is a great place to work. They trust me to do my own thing and don’t micromanage everything I do.
All of my co-workers from my start to now have just been great too. When you work with people you like, and everyone treats each other with respect and kindness, it becomes a great work environment.
I like the way things generally function day in and day out here at the Bank. They put a strong focus on mutuality and on doing the right thing for the community. I’m not sure I could ever work for a bank that is all about themselves. It just wouldn’t align with my own personal values.
How do you enjoy spending your free time (hobbies, sport etc.)?
In my free time, I love playing tennis. I'm competitive for sure. I also like to ride my bike. Physical activity and sports in general have always interested me.
Family is also huge for me. My wife Michelle and I have been married for 38 years. I have four daughters and nine grandchildren I just love. I used to coach all of my kids in sports. Many of my grandchildren are adults now, but I hope to start doing that again when the youngest ones get a little older.
