This month, Karen Gendron is celebrating her 20-year work anniversary here at Saco & Biddeford Savings!
As our Transaction Services Manager in the Saco branch, Karen is a familiar, friendly face to so many, and her dedication over two decades is truly something to celebrate.
We sat down with her to talk about her journey, what brought her here and how she keeps adventure alive both inside and outside the office.
Q: What brought you to SBSI?
Back when my kids were younger, I worked at Hannaford during the day while they were in school. I’d finish work in the afternoons so I could be home with them. As they got older and started staying home after school, I began thinking about what was next.
One day, a coworker mentioned that his wife worked at SBSI and they had an opening. I had done teller work years before, so he encouraged me to apply. They interviewed me, asked me to step out for a minute, then brought me back in and offered me the job on the spot. I gave my three weeks' notice at Hannaford and started at SBSI in 2005
Q: What was your role when you started, how has it changed over time, and have you worked in other branches or departments over the years?
I was hired as a teller and it was a great fit right from the start. After some time, I moved into what was then called the Teller Supervisor role and eventually that became the Transaction Services Manager, which is a role I’ve held for the past several years.
Even though I’ve taken on more responsibilities, I’ve never stopped doing teller work because I really enjoy it and didn’t want to give it up entirely. Most of my day still involves working with customers directly, and I really love that personal connection because it keeps me engaged.
I’ve always been based at our Main Street branch in Saco, which feels like home to me. I really like being busy and the fast pace here suits me. I thrive in that kind of environment.
What makes SBSI such a special place to work?
The people. Hands down. Whether it's coworkers, managers or our leadership team, I’ve never met someone here I didn’t enjoy working with. We’re like a family. Everyone is so supportive and genuinely caring.
SBSI makes us feel appreciated, and it’s in all the little things (like a free tote bag, the holiday BBQ, Christmas bonuses or our social events). It’s the culture here. You feel valued, not just as an employee, but as a person.
Our Pulse meetings are a great example. Mark, our President & CEO, is amazing. He really makes you feel connected to what’s happening across the company. There’s a sense of transparency and support from the top down and that means a lot.
Q: What about outside of work—what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Spontaneous road trips are our thing! My husband Mike and I love to hop in a car and just drive. One of our favorite adventures was when we flew to North Dakota, rented a car and drove home without a specific route and hit 22 states!
We saw Mount Rushmore, the St. Louis Arch, Warm Springs Ranch where they raise Clydesdales, the 9/11 Memorial in Pennsylvania and made our way back through Texas, Buffalo and across New York. We’ve done Vegas on a whim, a trip to the Grand Canyon and even rented an RV to travel from Phoenix to Utah where we slept under the stars.
We’re hoping to do another trip like that this summer. Our travel goal is to visit all 50 states and we only have a handful more left to see.
We also love Disney trips—this will be our third time going with our granddaughter Valerie, who is 7 and the absolute light of my life. My daughter and son-in-law have been married nine years, and my son just got married this past October. We’re lucky that everyone lives nearby and we’re all very close.
I just feel so lucky. I’ve built a life where I love what I do and love who I work with. Not everyone gets to say that. Twenty years may sound like a long time, but when you’re in the right place, it really flies by.
Thank you, Karen, for 20 incredible years of service, dedication and heart. We’re so grateful to have you as part of the SBSI family. Here’s to many more adventures, both on the road and at work!
