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WORD FOR THE DAY “symbiosis” (n.) “any interdependent or mutually beneficial relationship between two persons, groups, etc." (dictionary dot com)

Eric O'Brien's word is "symbiosis"

He was candid.  I’m a business partner, investing in your business, said Eric O’Brien, Commercial and SBA Lender at Falcon National Bank, when this writer met with him the other day for an interview at Caribou Coffee. His reference to “partnering” with clients reminded me of the word “symbiosis.” The word applies in many ways to Eric and Falcon National Bank.

A banker and a business should have a symbiotic relationship, especially in today’s economy. Eric has been working on these types of banking relationships for over 11 years. He was, understandably, emphatic about the way he and Falcon now work together to create this symbiosis. Eric was hired by the bank this June.

Eric continued to share with me his passion for the work he does at Falcon. “My loan, my responsibility” is how he put it to me, in a very genial and straightforward manner. He shared his commitment to each customer that sits down at the desk with him, shares his or her story, listens to his advice, and explores the benefits, and potential risk, of products and services the bank has to offer. Eric quoted the bank’s tag line, “Service that soars above the rest.” He was serious about his promise to personally work with a client throughout every facet of the loan process. Eric’s honesty and conscientiousness were front-and-center in our conversation. I’m not surprised. He’s a St. John’s University graduate. (Having married a “Johnny,” I’m impressed with the caliber of character these graduates display.)

CEO John Herges and staff members Jason Iverson (Chief Credit Officer) and Jessica Bitz (Senior Lender) had made a good impression on Eric when he’d crossed paths with them during his career. Also, Eric had grown up in the Avon/St. Cloud area. These were the main reasons he joined Falcon National Bank.

Eric and his wife Jen live in Monticello, so, Eric commutes everyday. Yet, he’s settling in nicely with the St. Cloud business community. In fact, he’s a member of my Business Network International group in Waite Park – “Rockin’” River City BNI. Why’d he join? Well, he joined to create a symbiotic relationship with other business owners and their representatives, of course!

As we spoke, Eric reminded me of the amount of community involvement the bank undertakes, largely, through the activity of Marketing Director Josh Nelson (currently, Habitat for Humanity Board President) and the various events the bank sponsors. He’s happy to be part of an organization that continues to create symbiosis with the greater St. Cloud and Central Minnesota community.

So, I think Eric O’Brien and his employer, Falcon National Bank are in symbiosis, with each other and those they serve in the greater St. Cloud community. I enjoyed my interview and conversation with Eric. You may want to get into symbiosis with Eric as well via a loan, an account, merchant services, or simply over a coffee at Caribou.