Fifteen years ago, while still a student, Lauren Harmon begrudgingly applied for a part-time teller position at Citizens Bank. “My mom made me apply for it, and I didn’t want to do it,” she admits. But three years into her college studies, she switched her major from psychology to business so she could pursue a career in the financial industry. “I fell in love with banking,” Lauren says. “I like to solve a puzzle, and finances are a puzzle. Whether I’m helping rebuild credit or create a five year plan, I love sitting down with people to help them figure out what comes next.”
We caught up with Lauren to learn more about her passions both inside and outside the office.
What’s the best advice you have for business owners who bank with you?
Start the conversation—say “I’m frustrated!” Go ask for the help. We can help lead you in the right direction.
Do you think they come in with misconceptions about your role or the banking process?
I feel like they think we’re here to sell them on products instead of be on their team, as advisors.
What makes a good advisor?
Listening. We need to truly hear their situation. You might go into a meeting with a client thinking you can help them, but as they share their story they might reveal needs that are totally different or need different solutions. All that psychology stuff I had? Well, I can read people. It helps me to be like, “Okay, so THAT’S where you’re coming from, now I can really help.”
What’s something you’re especially good at helping with?
The thing I look for is how can I help reduce risk, specifically fraud. I’m passionate about that— there are so many ways businesses can be vulnerable and if I see a hole, I’m going to try and patch that for them.
What’s part of your job that you really love?
Asking where they want to be in five years, especially the newer businesses, and asking how I can help you get there. A lot of people say “Wow, nobody’s really asked me that question.” People really stop and think, “ah, here’s what I want to do...” Then I can help lead them to where they want to be.
Any good stories about five year plans?
I opened an account for a gentleman about a year ago who had such an intriguing business name, and when I asked him more about it, he explained he was breeding lizards and snakes and spiders as a hobby and it got really popular, so he thought about doing a business. He started it out of his apartment. I said to him, “Where do you see this going?” He wanted a storefront, maybe even take the business online. He’s making slow and steady progress toward his goals, and thinking about scale and how it fits with his current full-time job.
You’re an animal lover, too.
I volunteer in animal rescue. The whole family is involved, we’re all animal lovers. They really help support me as I keep following my passion helping animals. My kids are learning so much by doing it. I’m a foster for the local humane society and sit on their board. I’m only allowed to foster kittens right now, because at least we know how big they’ll get, unlike puppies! Last year we had to tube feed a litter of kittens that was only two days old, like little NICU babies. It was hard and sad and terrifying at the same time, but my feeling is, if there’s even a chance of saving an animal, you have to try.
How’d you get involved like that?
I grew up doing it. We always had something at our house. We raised two baby raccoons when I was a kid. My mom once stopped in the middle of a road and made me run out to rescue a baby rabbit that was stuck there. I have a million animal stories.
I’m lucky to enjoy what I do, and be able to pursue my passion for helping people and animals.