Employee Stories: Mandy Kinsman
February 02, 2024
Mandy’s Perspective – Mentorship and Professional Development
Mandy Kinsman is the Card Services/Consumer Underwriting Manager at Heartland Bank and Trust Company. Mandy’s story with Heartland Bank began in February 2013, when she started in the role of Regional Teller. Since then, Mandy has had an inspiring journey of growth and professional development building a career in Card Services. What makes Mandy a standout employee?
About Mandy
I’m fortunate to have a great support system around me. My husband, Matthew, and 8-year-old daughter, Callie, are my biggest fans and are my source of stability and support. I am lucky to have wonderful friends and family and don’t take that for granted. For me, life is short, and tomorrow is never promised, so I hold tight to those around me.
If asked about me, my colleagues would probably say that I am a reliable decision-maker and problem-solver, supportive and direct when giving clear feedback, and I have fun and can be very entertaining!
When I am not at work, I enjoy traveling with my family to the Northwoods and doing a range of outdoor activities, such as snowmobiling, ice skating, and four wheeling.
Mandy’s Story
I grew up in Princeton, IL. After getting my start in the banking industry working in Florida and Tennessee, I returned to my hometown and started working as a Regional Teller for Heartland Bank.
In 2014, I made the move from the branch to a support area. I earned a promotion to Consumer Lending Processor in the Consumer Lending Department. While in the role, I had opportunities to learn, train, and work as a Credit Card Associate and Underwriter. One on my favorite aspects of this role was the chance to network and train employees in person and visit different offices across the Bank’s footprint. I facilitate consumer lending and home equity trainings for my colleagues on the Retail frontlines to increase their expertise in these areas. I truly enjoy training these classes and helping employees develop and enhance their lending knowledge.
In 2022, I began in my current role of Card Services & Consumer Underwriting Manager. I oversee the dedicated staff in our credit card, debit card, and consumer underwriting departments.
Finding Your Career Path
I enjoyed working in Retail and with the customers, but I had a desire for learning more about the specialized areas within banking. When the position for Credit Card Associate became available, I jumped at the opportunity. In this role, I worked behind the scenes while still working with the Retail frontline. As Heartland Bank has grown, I've had the opportunity to advance in my career, joining both the Consumer Lending and Debit Card Services Departments. I learn something new every day, and work with talented and kind people in every department across the Bank.
Professional Growth
People have been the best resources that have had the largest impact on my advancement at Heartland Bank. My managers have helped me by sharing knowledge, training me in specialized skills, giving me experience to practice new skills, and supporting my goals.
Positive customer service results and continuous improvement of our impact is a top priority for me. Specifically, I want to ensure that our bankers have a positive experience, which has a direct impact on our customers. As a manager, seeing individuals develop and reach their goals, and seeing the team succeed are the aspects of my job that make me feel proud.
Support from Managers
I have had some phenomenal managers and mentors since starting at the Bank. They focused on my professional development and have encouraged me to reach my goals and achieve success.
The managers I have had believed in my abilities and continued to push me to learn more and hone my skillset.
In my current role, I facilitate the same opportunities for growth, development, and advancement. I continue to learn every day and look forward to working and partnering with the staff so that each of us continue to move forward in a positive direction.
Heartland Bank’s Culture
After moving back to the area, I knew I wanted to continue my banking career. I was familiar with Heartland Bank from others in my family and town. The Bank continued to have a strong community representation when it changed from Citizens First National Bank to Heartland Bank and Trust. I knew it was a company I wanted to join because of the strength of its reputation. Heartland Bank invests in each employee’s professional development. Heartland Bank is a fun place to work with friendly, reliable, and innovative coworkers.
Advice from Mandy
My advice is to learn all that you can. One day that knowledge will help you in a situation you haven’t even imagined yet! I encourage anyone to apply for roles that you believe you would be good at and enjoy. Whether you are beginning your career, transitioning to a new area of the bank, or advancing within your current department, don’t ever get discouraged. Apply! If you don’t believe you have the experience necessary, reach out and ask questions. Network and put your name out there. In time, it will make a difference and people will remember you and your interests, commitment to learning and growth, and your desire to contribute more.