Deb Richar Celebrates 40 Years With SMBT
 

 

 

On February 11, 1985, Deb Richar embarked on a career in banking, joining Southern Michigan National Bank as a part-time teller in Tekonsha. At the time, the bank had just five branches: Coldwater Main, East Chicago, Union City, Tekonsha, and Kinderhook. Part-time employees were limited to working under 1,000 hours per year.

 

Teller training looked quite different in those days. New hires watched five to six VHS training tapes alone in a room, followed by a day of shadowing the head teller as they assisted customers. After two days of observation, trainees were given their own teller window to work independently. Banking technology in the 1980s was a far cry from today’s digital conveniences. Offices had no computers, so when customers wanted to check their account balances, tellers had to call bookkeeping—where balances were only updated from the previous day. Transactions were handled manually, including cashing checks for non-customers for a $5.00 fee and accepting bill payments for local utilities for as little as 15 cents. Twice a day, a courier transported paperwork to the Coldwater branch for processing.

 

Customer statements were mailed multiple times each month, accompanied by canceled checks and deposit slips, all of which had to be carefully counted to match the statement. Fridays, especially the third of the month, were the busiest days, with lines wrapping around the lobby and drive-thru lanes stretching to the road. Unlike today, there was no direct deposit, online banking, mobile apps, debit cards, Zelle, or remote deposit capture—customers handled all their banking in person.

 

In the fall of 2008, Deb transitioned to a full-time Teller role in Tekonsha. By May 2011, she moved to the Coldwater Main branch, where she took on an even greater set of responsibilities. Over the years, Deb built lasting relationships with customers, earning their trust and loyalty. Though opportunities arose to move into other departments, she chose to remain on the teller line, finding fulfillment in the personal connections she formed with those she served.

 

Banking has evolved dramatically since those early days, but one thing has remained constant: Deb Richar’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service. As she reflects on her journey, she can take immense pride in the experiences she’s had and the countless people she’s helped along the way.

 

Deb is admired by many of her coworkers. Makenna Hutson, Assistant Branch Manager, states, “You can’t think of Southern without thinking of Debbie Richar. She brings a smile to work every day and always makes her customers and coworkers' day brighter. Although I’ve only worked with Debbie for 6 years, we have had our fair share of good memories. Like the time we found a mouse in our coin machine. Everyone at Southern appreciates Debbie’s 40 years of service more than she will know. I’m lucky to say I to get to work side by side with her every day and not only have the best coworker, but friend.”

 

Deb has been married to her husband, Mark, for 43 years. Together, they have 5 children, Michelle, Byran, Brandon, Andrew, and Kaylee and 4 grandchildren. Along with spending time with her family, Deb enjoys vacationing in Florida and scrapbooking.