Meet Jan Kranenburg; the up-for-anything former West Kelowna Branch Manager turned HR advisor. Jan started with the Credit Union on February 16, 1987 and after 30+ years in various positions (receptionist, teller, loans clerk, account manager, teller supervisor and finally branch manager), Jan decided that it was time to step down as Branch Manager and allow another candidate to take her place (a big congratulations to one of our previous features, Whitney Speirs, on her promotion to Branch Manager!).
But if you think we were going to let Jan settle peacefully into a retirement of sunny golf games and long walks with her Golden Doodle Henry, you were wrong. In January 2019, we forced her to joined our HR team so that we could soak in some of the knowledge and wisdom that she has gained over her tenure with Interior Savings. We’ve set her release date for January 2020 – at which time she will be allowed to officially retire. In honor of her retirement we asked a few of her team members to give us the inside scoop on working with her. Here’s what they had to say:
“She is extremely empathetic and she always has our best interests at heart- and she proves this with actions not just words”- Linda Brydges
Also from Linda:
“She is a feisty little one!”- Linda Brydges
“Jan has a wicked smart sense of humor!” (said with a Boston accent)- Joanne Bredin
“Jan is one of those people you aspire to be. She’s an amazing person that achieves greatness in everything she does and she makes it seem effortless! Working with her has made me a better person both professionally and personally and I feel so lucky to know her.”-Whitney Speirs
“She is extremely supportive of her staff and understands the needs of work/life balance and I will miss hanging out with her at 7:30 in the morning.”-Cynthia Wozny (we’ve been told Jan is an extremely early riser and is always the first one to arrive at the branch!).
We also asked Jan a few questions about her experience working at Interior Savings. Here’s what she had to say:
What do you like about working at Interior Savings?
The people – both staff and members – and having the ability to help people achieve their goals.
What causes/organizations are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about the SPCA and Cancer research.
What does supporting local mean to you? Why is it important?
Supporting local means dealing with local businesses whenever possible. When community is at the heart of everything we do, we all thrive.
What’s your favorite local place to shop/eat/play?
Shop: The Farmers’ Market
Eat: 19 Okanagan Bar + Grill at Two Eagles Golf Course
Play: The Okanagan Golf Club
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Never be afraid to ask questions. The actual quote, passed on to me by my grade seven teacher was: “it is better to appear ignorant than to remain ignorant”.
What’s one thing people can hear you saying on a regular basis?
“Everything happens for a reason.”
Are you a spender or a saver?
I’m a spender! Thank goodness for pre-authorized contributions – they make it easy for me to be a saver too!
What’s your biggest impulse buy OR something that you buy daily/weekly that is a small indulgence?
Starbucks Chai tea lattes are my favorite!!
Who would you nominate for the next feature and why?
Natalie Jones. She is such a hard worker, really cares and is always willing to help others.
Jan, you’ve kept your teams energized with an endless supply of lifesavers, colorful stationery, support and encouragement for 30+ years (not to mention you’re the first to comply with the sometimes wacky requests from the marketing department to appear on camera or participate in an event all in the name of fun). What a privilege it is for Interior Savings to have had you all these years! A well-deserved congratulations to you on your transition to retirement. Thank you for your dedication and so many years serving your community.