Jen Rakotz has spent more than 10 years serving and supporting equipment finance customers in a client relations capacity at Stearns Bank N.A. During this time, she has developed strong, meaningful connections to customers across the United States in a diverse range of industries. Rakotz is inspired to seek new challenges and embrace opportunities that help her customers grow their businesses.

As an advocate for Stearns Bank, Rakotz ensures customers have equipment financing experiences that are as smooth and effortless as possible. She wants clients to come back to Stearns Bank repeatedly as their businesses grow and change. From helping them stay up to date with industry innovations to finding payment options that fit them just right, Rakotz is motivated by her customers’ satisfaction. She is proud to uphold the organization’s longtime tagline: “We get the job done!”

When it comes to leadership, Rakotz’s No. 1 priority is to be available. She believes that staying in contact with her team members when they need her is vital to their overall connection. Strong, genuine relationships are key to success, according to Rakotz. This is true at every level of her interactions, whether

with customers or with her team. Helping others reach their professional goals is also important to Rakotz. She recognizes that everyone has different strengths and skills, and that together, the team can go further than going alone. She believes that teamwork is key to reaching any goal.

Over the years, Rakotz has appreciated having incredible leaders at all levels of the organization to guide, encourage and teach her, and she hopes to pass that inspiration along to others.

“Have fun, never stop learning and ask a lot of questions,” Rakotz says. “This is such an enjoyable industry where you have the chance to get to know incredible people. Surround yourself with strong mentors and colleagues, but also tap into your customers as a resource; their insight and experiences are amazing

In all she does, Jen exemplifies what it means to be a true leader;’ Craig Kern, associate director of the equipment finance division at Stearns Bank, says. “Over the course of 12 years, she has engaged herself in several industries, attending many tradeshows and conferences to grow her knowledge, build connections and serve customers. Jen is someone her team of 15 people look up to because she works side-by-side with them, creating an environment that encourages and allows them to thrive. She has mentored countless individuals and under her guidance, she has helped foster their personal and career growth. Jen also promotes a culture of longevity on her team.”

“While her positive impact is felt at Stearns Bank by customers and throughout the equipment finance industry, her most vital influence is made on the people around her,” Isaac Flenner, director of equipment finance and small business lending at Stearns Bank, says. “Even in the light of all her success, Jen is as humble as they come. If you have ever had the pleasure of working with her, there will be no question as to why she was selected for this award.

“Have fun, never stop learning and ask a lot of questions. This is such an enjoyable industry where you have the chance to get to know incredible people. Surround yourself with strong mentors and colleagues, but also tap into your customers as a resource; their insight and experiences are amazing!”