Olson Celebrates 38 Years Of Serving Froid Banking

After more than 38 years of helping area residents purchase vehicles, grow businesses and reach their financial goals, longtime Opportunity Bank employee Marilyn Olson is preparing to begin a new chapter.

Throughout her career, Olson worked in nearly every area of banking. She began around the time computerized loan processing was first introduced and eventually served in roles that included cashier — now known as operations manager — internal auditor, loan ocer and branch president.

“I’m happy where I’m at,” Olson said. “It’s going to be missed because it’s something I’ve done for that many years, but I’m also excited about doing something different.”

With a degree in accounting and business, Olson originally thought she might become a certified public accountant. Instead, she found a career in banking and learned nearly every part of the business along the way.

When she began, loan numbers were recorded by hand in ledgers, customer records were kept in thick paper files and checks had to be manually sorted and placed inside monthly statements. Preparing a basic loan document took only a few minutes.

Today, loan documents can stretch across dozens of pages, files are stored electronically and customers can deposit checks by taking pictures with their phones.

“Computers are the biggest change,” Olson said.

Technology has also reduced the number of employees needed to complete daily banking tasks. The branch once operated with approximately eight sta 3members, while some days now require only two.

Despite those changes, Olson said the heart of smalltown banking has remained the same.

“You still have to pay your loan back,” she joked.

For Olson, the most meaningful part of her career has been getting to know customers and serving several generations of local families. Born in Poplar and raised in the Medicine Lake area, she has long-standing connections throughout the community.

“It gives you a good feeling to know that you’re able to help kids you used to babysit as they become adults,” Olson said.

Over the years, those customers returned to the bank to finance businesses, purchase vehicles and prepare for growing families. Eventually, Olson began helping their children as well.

Her co-workers also became an important part of her life. Many remained at the branch for decades, creating the kind of continuity rarely found in larger workplaces.

Olson said she will especially miss her co-workers and the familiar faces who stop by each day.

“I’ll miss the community and the people who walk in and say hello,” she said. “I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with everyone who came in and appreciated the opportunity to assist them with their banking and financial needs.”

Her advice for those beginning a career in banking is simple: Be personable, remain professional and take time to understand each customer.

“Treat your customer the way you would want to be treated,” Olson said. “Get to know your customer, because then you know what they want or need and can sometimes anticipate it.”

Retirement will begin with warmer weather. Olson plans to spend approximately seven months in Texas before traveling to visit family, including a Thanksgiving trip to New York. She is especially looking forward to spending more time with her daughter, Marissa, and the 5-year-old twins who call her Grandma.

After decades behind the desk at Opportunity Bank, Olson said retirement feels bittersweet — but right.

“It’s not that I want to say it’s time, but it’s time,” she said.

A retirement reception honoring Olson will be held Thursday, Sept. 3, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Opportunity Bank in Froid.