Just like you can shoot and score...
How long have you worked together?
Ali: Terri and I have worked together since she hired me as a teller/bookkeeper in 2020.
Terri: Ali and I have worked together for just over 6 years, but I have known Ali much longer than that. She interned with us when she was in high school. That is when I discovered how delightful she is!
Why did you choose ‘Shoot and Score’ as your pairing?
Ali: We chose “shoot and score” as our pairing because of the shared passion Terri and I have for basketball and the mindset that comes with it. We both have competitive personalities and really value staying active, continually improving and pushing ourselves to be better. Basketball has played an important role in both of our lives. Terri loves watching her son play and is a dedicated Minnesota Timberwolves fan, while I played through high school and college and still enjoy following both women’s and men’s basketball. Beyond just the sport, “shoot and score” reflects how we approach our work—being willing to take initiative, step up when there’s an opportunity and drive toward results. It felt like a natural fit for both of us, personally and professionally.
Terri: Ali and I share a love of basketball. On any given day, you can catch us chatting about our kiddos’ games, how the MN Timberwolves are doing, and what Caitlin Clark is up to. There are so many great lessons you can take from the game and apply them to our lives and work, including grit, teamwork, resilience and fostering selflessness.
How does working together help you better serve customers?
Ali: Working together helps us better serve our customers because we share a mindset of taking action and following through. In the spirit of “shoot and score,” Terri and I are both passionate about going after opportunities and making sure our customers feel supported every step of the way. When customers come to us with a need or a challenge, they know we’ll take ownership and work toward a solution. Terri is also the first to celebrate a “win”—whether that’s building a new relationship or solving a problem for a customer.
Terri: Ali and I both take great pride in delivering exceptional service to our customers and colleagues. We thrive on one another’s positive energy, continually motivating each other to exceed expectations.
What have you learned from each other?
Ali: I’ve learned so much from Terri, and it’s something that continues to evolve every day—which is one of the most rewarding parts of working together. Each new challenge brings an opportunity to learn from her experience and further develop my own skills. One of the biggest things Terri has taught me is what true confidence and leadership look like. She consistently demonstrates how to handle tough conversations with professionalism and a focus on doing what’s right. She also leads by example in always keeping our customers’ best interests at the center, while still upholding strong, sound banking practices. That balance has been incredibly valuable for me to learn and carry forward in my own approach.
Terri: Ali has taught me so much about the dairy industry and the ins and outs of life on a dairy farm. She has also shown me the true meaning of resilience and perseverance. Ali works incredibly hard to ensure her team and her customers are taken care of. She inspires me daily.
What are the best parts of your job?
Ali: One of the best parts of my job is coming to work in a winning culture—one where we truly support each other and show up for our customers and communities every day. This environment aligns well with the “team-like” mentality that both Terri and I are passionate about. Another highlight is being a trusted, reliable resource for our customers. I take pride in knowing they can count on us as a sound financial partner—someone who helps guide them and gives them confidence as they work toward their financial goals.
Terri: I find no greater joy than helping others reach their goals, whether that is a customer looking to grow their business or a coworker who needs support in whatever they are working toward. It is an honor to be a part of someone else’s journey
What's your favorite thing about community?
Ali: My favorite thing about my community is that I have the opportunity to continue serving the place I grew up. It means a lot to be able to give back to a community that has helped shape who I am. I also really value that, through Bravera, we have the ability to make a positive impact—helping the community grow, supporting local relationships and contributing to something bigger than ourselves.
Terri: My favorite thing about my community is the people. We are truly blessed to have so many neighbors and friends willing to help each other at the drop of a hat.