Ludwig: Connecting Customers to Success
Erin Ludwig, Cresco market vice president for Decorah and Cresco Bank & Trust Company, brings a people-first mindset to everything she does. While she didn’t initially set out to build a career in banking, she has found that it strongly aligns with her skillset and value of giving back to the community.
Ludwig encourages high school and college students to consider working as a teller because of the long-term opportunities that could lay ahead. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, tending to her flowers, and quilting.
What drove you to choose a career in banking?
Honestly, banking wasn’t something I had thought about growing up or even early in my career but after a discussion with a bank president who said they could teach me banking, I considered it. It has been a perfect fit for me with my skillset, and I really enjoy helping people. I also get to be involved in the community as part of my job, and it works well with my busy family. I find it very rewarding helping people reach their personal or business financial goals by connecting them with tools and resources to help them be successful.
Describe one life experience that taught you a lesson you apply to your banking career.
Throughout my life, there have been times when I have bought the cheaper option and it has come back to haunt me because of poor service, poor quality, etc. What I’ve learned is relationships matter. Treating people with respect, honesty and providing good service adds value to every relationship. It is something I think about a lot in banking and as I work with customers and coworkers. None of us are perfect, and sometimes you have an off day, but we must continue to strive to get better in those areas. At least for me, those are important values to uphold not only as a community banker, but also as a leader within the community.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
There are so many different types of jobs within a bank — for example, human resources, accounting, marketing, information technology, lending, customer service, processors, compliance and more. Banks work really hard to keep their employees and help them find what role is best for them. One might start as a teller, but if you are patient and a good worker, you can often move up relatively quickly because we often prefer to hire from within. I encourage high school and college students to consider working as a teller because of the varied long-term career opportunities banking can provide, but it also looks great on a resume when going into other fields!
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
I have attended a lot of IBA’s different schools over the years, which has been helpful in growing my leadership and technical skills and has also provided me with great networking opportunities.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, tending to my flowers and quilting.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
Keep your faith. God will provide.