A job at ESL often isn’t just a job, it’s a career! At ESL, providing a superior employee experience where we support and encourage professional development and growth is a top priority. In this series, we highlight ESL employees who started out in entry level positions and have worked their way up into mid to senior level positions.
Interview with Shevon Gregory, Manager, Indirect Lending
Shevon first joined ESL as a Student Teller and worked his way up through various positions that included Financial Analyst, Senior Financial Analyst, and Indirect Lending. Shevon was recently promoted to Manager of Indirect Lending.
What brought you to ESL?
I gave my resume to an ESL representative at a college job fair. I tell this story all the time about the friendliness of the employees. I remember when I was young and walking into a branch with my mom, the teller handed me a lollipop and that has always stuck with me. I’m sure that had a bit to do with my decision to work for ESL, those impressionable moments.
Did you expect to advance in your career the way that you have?
Honestly, I wasn’t sure how far my career at ESL would take me. I started here as a student teller as I was finishing up my bachelor’s degree. However, I have always aspired to achieve great things, provide for my family, and help the community in which I live.
What are some of the things that have helped you along the way?
One thing that has helped me immensely would be always asking questions. Why are we doing that, how can I help, is there something more that you would like to see? This has opened up so many doors to allow me to better provide for the people that I work with and greatly provide value for the institution.
What are some things that have surprised you here at ESL?
Something that has surprised me would be just how much people want to see you succeed. For example, ESL has courses for if you want to learn how to present better, use software better, or even advance your career through coaching with your manager. That has surprised me the most along with just how greatly we promote from within. Speaking with other managers and senior managers about where they started has really opened my eyes to the possibilities available here.
Why have you stayed at ESL?
The people, the history of the institution, and the impact on our community has kept me here. ESL does such a great job of fostering a community within the organization then taking that outside of our walls to help bolster the surrounding communities. It’s truly incredible.
What else do you think is important for people to know about your journey and ESL?
I love the people, our senior management team, and I like to live our core values. When I come into “work” it’s incredible to see the changes that has happened over the last nine years that I have been here. One thing that is always guaranteed in life is change will happen, I learned to embrace it, adapt to it, and remain positive. Plus, always say thank you, it can go a long way.
