Dawn Brouillet, a solutions-driven leader, thrives as the senior production manager in the equipment finance division of Stearns Bank.

Overseeing the logistics and efficiencies of the organization’s modifications and sales assistant teams, Brouillet works in close partnership with a multitude of individuals and departments to ensure that every aspect of operations runs smoothly.

Brouillet’s career at Stearns Bank spans 20 years, during which time she has achieved countless goals, including creating an entirely new department. While she began on the company’s banking side, she advanced through ambitious hard work and incredible self-advocacy, making the transition to the equipment finance arena in 2018.

Among her numerous accomplishments, Brouillet is most proud to have earned her Certified Lease and Finance Professional designation within a year of joining the equipment finance division. Reaching this demanding and vigorous certification in such a short amount of time in the industry is a true testament to Brouillet’s personal drive and dedication to growth and advancement.

Brouillet recently met a years-in-the-making goal of collaboratively creating an automated checklist system, ensuring advanced accuracy within Stearns Bank’s equipment finance contract process. While the development is complex and requires ongoing upgrades, Brouillet recognizes the diverse benefits the system delivers to her teams and the company – not to mention the positive impact it has on customer experience.

Further, Brouillet accepted the challenge of creating cost efficiencies, specific to document shipping fees. She dove deep to discover that the antiquated process of sending documentation had needlessly cost Stearns Bank hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. Brouillet researched alternatives to create an updated process, resulting in incredible annual cost savings.

“In the dynamic world of equipment finance, Dawn’s passion lies in problem solving. She is determined to dive in and investigate issues, find answers and connect people to find solutions,” Craig Kern, associate director of equipment finance at Stearns Bank, says. “With her impressive range of knowledge in the two complex worlds of banking and equipment financing, Dawn approaches leadership and operations from a unique and well-rounded perspective. She carefully melds critical thinking, creativity and integrity to ensure successful outcomes for everyone involved.”

Brouillet also enjoys witnessing evolution through career advancement for herself and others. She encourages and guides her team to set and reach their own professional development goals. Because she has worked in a multitude of positions and collaborates often with many departments, she holds a unique perspective as a leader.

“Always advocate for yourself and accept that failure is necessary! You are capable and worthy of what your heart desires; but you must continue to learn, grow, problem solve, support others, speak up and ask questions,” Brouillet says.

With her understanding of the intricacies of each department and how they interact with each other, Brouillet connects her colleagues to new opportunities within the company, advocating for them and helping them prepare to reach new heights.

Brouillet embraces growth, creates solutions and efficiencies and shines light on the gifts of those around her. For all these reasons and more, Brouillet is a well-respected leader whom others continually turn to for guidance and support.

“Always advocate for yourself and accept that failure is necessary! You are capable and worthy of what your heart desires; but you must continue to learn, grow, problem solve, support others, speak up and ask questions. When you fail – trust me, you will – embrace the opportunity to rise and try again.”