When John Vitale took a summer job as a bank teller while studying economics at Fairfield University, he didn’t expect to find his professional calling. But that’s exactly what happened.
“I really liked what I was doing,” he recalls. “I wanted to find out more.” Seven years ago, Vitale found his opportunity to do that when he joined Sterling National Bank, where he has risen to managing director.
In this role, he serves as a single point of contact. One secret to his success has been learning how to address his customers’ needs in areas ranging from saving to borrowing. “Anything they’re having an issue with, they call me,” he says. To make sure he can help them, he invests time in getting to know them, what makes them tick and what their goals are.
Fortunately, Vitale thrives on interacting with customers. “I get to meet new customers from all different types of businesses,” he says. “Being able to help a customer grow their company is my favorite part of the job.”
Vitale’s work has not only helped his customers but the bank, too. Earnings for his loan and deposit portfolio grew by 27% in 2017, and he recently closed a $27 million loan for the restoration of a historic building for a longstanding customer of the bank.
Vitale says the bank’s strong culture of training and mentorship has helped him succeed. “It really helps bring everything together for me,” he says. “It’s really helped my growth.”
