PeoplesBank Brings Community, Customer Service To West Hartford

This Patch article is sponsored by PeoplesBank.

PeoplesBank is a $3.6 billion mutual bank operating in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Not to be confused with another local bank with a similar name, we are an independent, mutual bank and we will never be bought or sold.

Patch had a chance to talk with Romika Odedra, vice president and regional manager at PeoplesBank.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town, or how long has your organization been around in the community?

Odedra: Our newest location in Connecticut opened in August in West Hartford, making this our fourth banking center in Connecticut, along with 20 locations in Massachusetts. We were founded in Holyoke, Mass., in 1885 and have a track record of stability, innovation and community support.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?

Odedra: I have been in banking for over a decade and enjoy it every day. I take pleasure in helping businesses and customers grow their financial well-being. I started in banking as a part-time teller while attending Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) and I knew then that I wanted a career in banking.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?

Odedra: Make banking a simple experience.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Odedra: Differentiating our bank — PeoplesBank — in communities where similar-sounding banks, offering similar products and services, can create consumer confusion.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Odedra: Having happy, satisfied customers. When I hear our current customers promote us to their family and friends.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?

Odedra: A “Simple” banking experience, great customer service and local decision-making.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?

Odedra: It’s always a team effort.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you’re working on that you’re extra excited about? If so, what details can you share and what makes it so exciting?

Odedra: We are introducing a new technology to our markets called VideoBankerITM. The ITM stands for “Interactive Teller Machine,” meaning you talk to a live human via video, allowing you to perform any transaction you could do inside a bank from the comfort of your car. The VideoBankers allow us to offer longer operating hours, seven days a week, and also increase the ability for customers to remain safe and contactless.

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community? If so, tell us about them.

Odedra: We sponsor fundraising events for hundreds of local area nonprofits, and so you can find our associates out and about in almost every community, supporting and volunteering. In the past year alone, we donated over $1.3 million to area charities and causes.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Odedra: We can be found at bankatpeoples.com or you can follow us on various social media platforms at @bankatpeoples.