Denise T. - VP Regional Market Manager
My name is Denise Toussaint. I work for Sunrise Banks as VP Regional Market Manager. In this role I co-manage the Retail side of the bank and oversee Branch Managers, Teller Managers and a Retail SME. My career consists of 25+ years in Retail Banking and Lending.
I began my banking career in 1993 as a teller for Norwest Bank, now Wells Fargo. Banking was very different back then. I remember as a teller working in the Drive Up and the lines being 10-15 cars deep, the lines in the lobby were even worse. In those days direct deposit was not popular, so everyone drove to the bank to make a deposit and cash their checks. The days flew by and we counted our money by hand, a cash counter was a luxury.
The highlight of my career was getting a job at Midway Bank in 1999, which was located on the corner of Snelling and University in the Midway area of St. Paul. I started out as a Loan Assistant and moved on to become a Retail Banker, Supervisor and Regional Manager.
Outside of work I love the outdoors in the summer, going for walks with our German Shepard Max-a-million, gardening or even just sitting in the backyard. My husband owns a Harley Davidson Motorcycle, and I enjoy going on rides with him. Three years ago, I obtained my own license to ride but prefer to ride as a passenger with my husband. I love the long rides on the back roads in the country and stopping at the small restaurants in Wisconsin for Cheese Curds. All these things are rewarding because the experience is peaceful, relaxing and gives me a sense of freedom.
I can honestly say that once you really embrace the Banking Industry it can be rewarding and a lifelong career.