Creating an outstanding banking experience begins with a strong team, and we at SouthEast Bank pride ourselves on making every experience with us a personal one. That’s why we care about introducing you to the special team members you’ll see in our branches every day, like Sharon Nicole, who has been at the helm of our Farragut branch for over eight years.
Sharon’s natural ability to connect with others and her passion for service has driven her 23-year career in banking. “When customers come back to talk not only about business but about those personal notes, that’s what makes me feel like I’m doing what I’m meant to do: touching the heart of people and being there for them.”
It’s also what led her to SouthEast Bank, where she felt from the beginning was the right place for her. “I walked away from my first interactions feeling like I’d met people who wanted to work with me and wanted to be my friend,” Sharon says, and that’s the feeling she’s passed on to her customers ever since. “I try to treat customers like it’s my mom or dad, sister or brother, or even myself on the other side of the desk. I try to take care of them like family.”
Her sincere attention has earned the loyalty of Farragut-area customers, including one long-time customer who made his goodbyes to Sharon part of his end-of-life plan.
“This past December, my customer’s son called to let us know his father was sick. A week or so later, he called again to say that his father didn’t have long to live. The next call, he tells me, ‘Dad wants to come in and say goodbye to you all.’ My customer came in, wheelchair and all, and sat across from me one last time. After we’d talked, he said, ‘Sharon, keep doing what you’re doing, because it’s special.’ When he passed away a week later, I felt his loss.”
Moving experiences like this drive Sharon to bring her all to helping every customer she meets.
Outside of our Farragut headquarters, Sharon is an active adventurer, enjoying several hikes up Mount Le Conte and weekend drives spent in her Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with the top down over the years. A born and raised East Tennesseean, she loves spending time outside when the weather is in favor. But she’s also enjoys traveling further afield, including cruises with her husband, and an especially romantic anniversary renewing their wedding vows on the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.
One of her favorite pastimes is making memories with her seven grandchildren, who look forward to a surprise-themed Christmas extravaganza at her house every year. “Making the grandkids happy makes me happy,” says Sharon.
When asked about her long term goals, her answer is as generous as she is. “I’ve learned a lot from my elders, both in professional experiences and personal. I’ve always listened to what they have to say and tried to follow their advice. So, my hope is to be able to do the same for people who know me or work for me. I want people to remember me as someone who taught them, and that those are things people can carry on with them.”
Sharon’s warm and caring nature have made her an integral member of the SouthEast Bank family. Next time you visit our Farragut branch, be sure to stop by and introduce yourself. If you’re a fan of Mamma Mia! and ice cream, you’re sure to be fast friends.
