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“Fun is what you make it” has always been Kim Konkol’s motto.
Throughout her 38-year career at Minnwest Bank in Slayton, Minn., Konkol has had fun working with customers and colleagues.
“It has always been about helping people,” said Konkol who retired from her position of Retail Lead on December 31, 2023. “I’m very lucky to have been employed by Minnwest. It has truly been an awesome place to work over the years. My bank family will always have a special place in my heart.”
Originally from Sioux Falls, So. Dak., Konkol moved with her parents and six siblings to Slayton her senior year in high school. Shortly after marrying her husband, Howard, she worked for Gamble’s, a hardware store. Eventually, she switched to working at Schroder Jewelry. When the jewelry store was going out of business, bank staff reached out to her and offered her a position as a part-time drive-up teller.
Roughly a year later, she moved into the customer service area and learned how to open accounts and handle customer phone calls.
“I really enjoyed helping customers and was always looking for ways to find the products that would be a good fit for them,” said Konkol. “I never thought of myself as a salesperson.”
A few years later, Minnwest Bank implemented two new programs, the Thumbuddy Club and the Prime Timers. Kim led the charge of the Thumbuddy Club, a program geared towards youth ages 0-12, since its inception. Her responsibilities included planning, organizing and managing activities like haunted basements, carnivals, pool parties and picnics.
Once co-worker Arlys Post retired, Konkol took over leadership of the Prime Timers which was a social club for adults over 50 years of age. Leading the Prime Timers for 20 years, Konkol was charged with planning events and traveling with the group.
“I had the opportunity to travel to many places that I would have never been able to go if it wasn’t for this job,” said Konkol who has fond memories of the multiple trips. “I was very fortunate to do that and I made new friendships that have lasted over the years.”
Konkol then transitioned into an officer role where she provided consumer loans for customers. As she changed positions at Minnwest Bank, she has noticed that things have advanced tremendously over the years, but customer service has always remained a constant.
“The processes and technology have changed. Things are done electronically,” said Konkol. “Everything has been rewarding, but I’ve really enjoyed helping customers.”
While her retirement was official at year end, Konkol has continued to work part-time as an universal banker at Minnwest Bank. She looks forward to having more time to devote to volunteering. Konkol serves as the Murray County Fair Board secretary and volunteers for American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
She also looks forward to having more time to do fun things with her family. Konkol and her husband have been married for 48 years. While Howard is also retired, he works part-time for the parks department in the summer. The couple have three grown children. They have two daughters who are realtors in Brookings, So. Dak. and a son who resides in Sleepy Eye and works for Schell’s Brewery. “I look forward to having fun with my family,” said Konkol. “We have five grandchildren that will keep me busy.”
