December 13, 2021
“Prior to 2001, I was working 62 hours a week as a manager of a supermarket bank. It was a high stress environment, and knew it wasn’t going to be sustainable long-term.
I have a four year degree in French, which was never directly applicable to the banking world. So I took initiative and carved my own career path.
I had always wanted to work at Saco & Biddeford Savings, but back then, the only way you could get in was if someone retired or passed away. At least that’s how it felt. The bank is such a great place to be employed and so many people were competing for open positions.
I actually applied to the bank right after 9/11. It was a scary time to be applying for a new job in the middle of everything going on in the world.
Making the decision to leave my job and work at SBSI was a big move, but I am glad I did it. Here I am still, 20 years later, and I love what I do. I started working here at the end of December 2001, so I like to tell people it was the best Christmas gift I have ever received.
Everything I do is for the betterment of the bank and our community. I love the people I work with and we’re always lifting each other up and helping one another. I bring 35 years of experience in the mortgage business, and I love being able to pass on my knowledge.
In another life, I think I would have taken up a career in teaching. But really, I’m able to apply that passion in what I do here at the bank. When you’re taking an application for someone, you’re teaching them how to make their balance sheet look good to get a loan approved. You coach them through and help them through their banking needs.
In my free time, I like to spend time with my children, binge watch Game of Thrones, attend renaissance fairs, drive around in my 1970 Pontiac Catalina and show off my sword collection. I really enjoy reading too, particularly sci-fi and fantasy novels.
I’m also very involved in the community. For 13 years or so, I’ve served on the board for Kids Free to Grow and Connections for Kids, a child abuse prevention program and child mental health services agency. More recently, I’ve become involved with Saint Andre’s Homes and Courage Lives, a program that serves survivors of human trafficking.
I can’t thank everyone enough for all the support they’ve given me over the years. The bank, the community, my customers… I’m so proud to be a part of people’s financial decisions, and to be a part of the community I serve.”
Please join us in congratulating Marc Lamontagne on his 20 year work anniversary!
