Just like Mario and Luigi...
How long have you worked together?
Candi: Corey and I have worked together for three and a half years.
Corey: Almost exactly three and a half years now since Candi joined the team and while I’ve been with the bank for a little over thirteen years, it’s hard to imagine a time without Candi here because of how helpful, supportive and important she is to our success.
How does working together help you to better serve customers?
Candi: Corey knows just what to say to calm me down during stressful moments. He has different viewpoints on everything, which helps us make better decisions for our customers and the bank.
Corey: Candi is very straightforward, while I'm more idea-driven. Combining those strengths helps us find solutions and watch our customers' dreams become reality. While we manage our own portfolios, there are very few customers we don't both know about because we value the benefits a team approach brings.
What have you learned from each other?
Candi: I have learned everything I know about commercial lending from Corey. He is a wonderful mentor and friend. He encourages me to participate in events and projects that push me outside my comfort zone because he knows they help me grow.
Corey: I've learned that every idea deserves consideration. What one person sees as a challenge, another may see as an opportunity. One of the greatest things we've gained from working together is the confidence to tackle any task, whether it's the largest loan request we've seen or the most complex one. The solution is always there. Sometimes it just requires a different approach.
What do you do for fun at work?
Candi: Corey likes to go out of his way to scare me. It's quite easy because I'm easily startled, and he gets me every time. I'm also easy to pick on and pretty gullible, so there's always something to laugh about. Corey and I are in a football dynasty league together, so there's usually a little football talk in the office, which is Corey's favorite subject.
Corey: There isn't a day that goes by without an opportunity to scare Candi, even if it's simply by walking down the hallway. It's become a weekly goal of mine because she's so jumpy. Beyond teasing each other, we enjoy bringing fun and laughter to the office through games and new activities. If it were up to us, every day would be ice cream or coffee day.
What makes Bravera a great partner for customers?
Candi: Bravera is a great partner because we go the extra mile to make sure our customers are taken care of in a timely manner. We take pride in what we do and what we stand for. We're here to support our communities and help them grow.
Corey: The team approach, although cliché, is what sets us apart. When you bank with us, you're not just working with one lender. You're backed by a team of lenders and support staff dedicated to helping you succeed. Beyond banking, Bravera actively supports our communities through schools, youth sports, food pantries, community events and more. We're more than a bank. We're a community-focused partner that's here for the long haul.
What's your favorite thing about your community?
Candi: My favorite thing about this community is how people come together when someone is in need, whether that's medically, financially or by helping provide food for those who need it. We are always stronger when we support one another.
Corey: While our community comes together in many incredible ways, what I love most is the school district and the opportunities it creates for the next generation. The teachers, support staff and administrators do an outstanding job, and they welcome opportunities for local organizations like Bravera to get involved. Those volunteer and sponsorship opportunities bring a great deal of joy to our team.