The OnPoint spotlight is an ongoing blog series that highlights our employees and takes a closer look at the drive and personality of individuals on the OnPoint team. It is one way we show our appreciation for their hard work and achievements while helping our community get to know the people who make things happen here at OnPoint. In honor of Veterans Day, we are taking time to spotlight a few of our employees who have served in the armed forces.
William Gleason
Billy is a new hire from New Jersey who recently obtained his Information Systems degree from New Jersey Institute of Technology and drove across the country to live here in Oregon. He joined OnPoint in August of this year as a Help Desk Lead.
Here is what he had to share about his life and experiences in the military and with OnPoint:
“Before joining OnPoint, I took seven classes at NJIT, working construction, and working for the Navy Reserves—I am still serving in the Navy. For fun, I like to do anything outdoors, but I can also designate time for video games like ‘Call of Duty’!”
How have the skills you learned in the military helped you to succeed in your current role?
“Almost all of my learning was on the job training and I learned a lot by trial and error. In this environment, communication, accountability and respect go a long way. All of my roles, including information technology, flying squad, security team and firefighter, gave me the tools to be where I am today.”
What leadership qualities did you learn in the military that have helped guide you through your life and career?
“Leadership roles in the Navy rely heavily on the sailors under you and how well you work as a team. Understanding how to talk to your team and treat them with respect when completing a time-critical mission can make all the difference. I would say that integrity, confidence and abstract thinking are some of the main qualities that the Navy has taught me.”
Adam Rousse
Adam is a Mortgage Loan Officer and started in August of this year. He is excited to be at OnPoint to help members accomplish their financial goals.
Here is what he had to share about his life and experiences in the military and with OnPoint:
“I am originally from Michigan, but I enjoy being in the Pacific Northwest now. I have worked in the mortgage industry on and off since I finished college in 2005—I’m a proud Michigan State Spartan! I spent eight years in the Marine Corps infantry, from 2001 to 2008. I have three great, fun children who help keep me young, and I love spending time in the outdoors.”
How was your post-military job-seeking experience and why did you choose OnPoint?
“As much as the military was not a great fit for me, I am proud of my service and am thankful for what it provided me. The military is a constant opportunity to learn things and gain experience that might not be possible for those who do not serve. That includes pushing yourself to the edge mentally as well as physically. As hard as military life is, the culture of your team family is profound. Sharing your last crumbs of food for the survival and well-being of the unit is obligatory.”
What does being a veteran mean to you?
“Any member of the military, regardless of why they chose to volunteer, commits to something larger than the individual. Nothing in the military is easy and it is because of that, we learn the value of commitment to sacrifice, sweat, endure pain and triumph for a greater cause.”
Nick Styles
Nick joined OnPoint in 1996 as a Teller at our Lloyd Center Branch. Since then, he has held many positions, including Member Service Representative, Loan Officer, Lending Supervisor, and Assistant Manager for Member Services, Alternate Delivery Lending Department (ADL) and our Credit Union Direct Lending department (CUDL). These positions have led him to where he is today—our Indirect Lending Manager.
Here is what he had to share about his life and experiences in the military and with OnPoint:
“Before OnPoint, I was working at Taco Bell and taking courses at Portland Community College. My mom worked for the school district, and she knew everyone at our Kruse Meadows Branch. One of the Member Service Representatives there gave me an application and I started roughly six months later.
I currently live in Portland with my wife and daughter. We have three dogs and a bunny. I am currently enrolled at George Fox University. I am thankful that OnPoint supported my dream to serve.”
Briefly describe your post-military job-seeking experience and why you chose OnPoint?
“I was employed with OnPoint before my service and had initially thought about seeking a job in law enforcement. However, OnPoint’s loyalty and support toward my family and me during my deployment to Iraq confirmed that I needed to continue my career with OnPoint. OnPoint received an award from the State of Oregon when I deployed to Iraq and I believe this award displayed the support that this organization holds for us.”
What does being a veteran mean to you?
“Being a veteran means everything to my family and me. In fact, I come from a family of them! I am a proud American and it was an honor and privilege to serve this country. I have met people in life that wanted to serve but couldn’t due to physical restrictions, so I do not take my ability to serve for granted.”
Aimee Ten Eyck-Schaffer
Aimee joined OnPoint in 2013 as a Member Service Specialist. Since then, she has held several positions, including Member Solutions Officer, Training and Development Specialist, Organization Effectiveness Specialist and now, Business Procedures Specialist.
Here is what she had to share about her life and experiences in the military and with OnPoint:
“When I’m not at work, I’m busy with my eight-year-old son and eleven-year-old daughter. We love exploring the outdoors, getting crafty, and spending time with family and friends. Prior to working for OnPoint, I was an airborne linguist in the Air Force. I was certified in both Tagalog and French!”
How have the skills you learned in the military helped you to succeed in your current role?
“In the military, we all worked toward the same mission. It took a combination of individuals and skillsets to ensure a successful mission overall, no matter how big or small the individual role may be. My experience in the military has helped me build strong bonds with coworkers across the organization and truly leverage those relationships and individual skill sets of others to reach an outcome I might not have been able to accomplish on my own.”
Briefly describe your post-military job-seeking experience and why you chose OnPoint?
“After separating from the Air Force, I worked for a couple of different companies but found it difficult to find a place that truly supported entry-level employees in advancing their careers. I chose OnPoint because they have supported my growth from day one. In the last seven years here, I have held five different positions and landed a role that I could never dream of having without the guidance and support of the management team and peers I’ve had here at OnPoint.”
David Yates
David joined OnPoint as a Financial Advisor in 2016 and has been helping members on their personalized financial journey ever since.
Here is what he had to share about his life and experiences in the military and with OnPoint:
“I am originally from NE Texas and now live in Beaverton with my wife and two kids. Prior to joining OnPoint, I was a Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo in Pleasanton, California. Fun fact: I have been to all the states west of the Mississippi and south of Tennessee, plus 19 countries!”
What leadership qualities did you learn in the military that have helped guide you through your career/life?
“In the Marines, I learned to act and take the initiative to do something that I see needs to be done, without having to be told. I also learned to take responsibility for my actions or inactions.”
What does being a veteran mean to you?
“We only get a certain number of years to be alive on this planet. I gave five of them in service to my country, which means a lot to me. My marriage and my kids mean more, but my service is very important to me.”
Interested in joining our team? Check out our current open positions.
