The words “People First” are everywhere at Choice Bank. They’re immortalized in the institution’s core values, uttered in everyday conversation, and emblazoned on coffee mugs, t-shirts, and pens. 

Recently, Choice Bank brought their People First mentality to life through the transformation of two North Dakota locations. Beyond a mere aesthetic upgrade, the changes were driven by the bank’s exponential growth and the need to accommodate their expanding team in an inviting and purposeful environment.

“Since Covid, foot traffic in banks has been down, but our growth has catapulted,” said Shelley Szudera, AVP of Brand and Marketing at Choice Bank. “We had the square footage to accommodate everyone; it was a matter of better utilizing the space.”

Two Locations, One Goal

The dual renovation, which included one Choice Bank location on West Fargo’s bustling Sheyenne St. and another on 45th St. in South Fargo, was a collaborative effort. From her own team, Szudera was joined by Chief Banking Officer Jay Lies and Chief Operations Officer Mandy Sheeley, along with representatives from the two locations. Lies’s sales prowess, Sheeley’s operational insights, and Szudera’s keen eye for design formed a synergistic cohort that was rounded out by InterOffice’s own Sarah Huckle and Sheila Hanson.

“It’s neat that this is a two-location project,” Huckle said. “We worked on both projects pretty much simultaneously. We not only did the furniture, but Sheila was also instrumental in the finish selections for both locations.”

With more than 100 remote employees–nearly 40 percent of their team–Choice Bank emphasized the importance of creating intentional, inviting flex spaces for remote employees visiting the office. MillerKnoll Canvas Workstations and Private Offices were thoughtfully equipped with everything an employee might need, including dongles and spare headphones, as well as accents like drought-resistant plants to ensure a seamless transition for remote workers entering the office.

The renovations also prioritized areas for team members to take a break and connect away from their desks. Recognizing the tendency to get stuck in front of a computer screen, the team created communal spaces using Coact booths and benches from OFS to encourage teammates to unplug and engage in conversation.

While creating a sense of community was top-of-mind from the very beginning, there was a shift in aesthetic direction as the project went on. Rather than the warm, earthy tones initially envisioned for the two locations, Szudera suggested a pivot to a brighter, more vibrant palette. 

“Banks can be dark and intimidating,” Szudera said. “We knew that it was important to capture a happy, inviting environment for our team members and those customers who would be visiting us.”

With support from InterOffice, the team was able to successfully pivot the entire look without delaying the project timeline.

“In a few short meetings, we were able to pivot the whole look from warm and earthy to light and fresh,” Huckle said. “We switched finishes to a higher contrast of crisp bright white and dark ashy wood tones, along with incorporating pops of their brand colors. We were able to make a few slight tweaks to change the whole feel of the project, without sacrificing much for budget or lead time.”

”We knew that it was important to capture a happy, inviting environment for our team members and those customers who would be visiting us.

Shelley Szudera

A #PeopleFirst Partnership

Choice Bank’s People First approach is more than just an internal catchphrase. It’s something they wear on their sleeve–and on their walls–to give anyone who walks through the door an idea of their commitment to customer service. 

Collaborating with InterOffice, DIRTT Environmental Solutions, and local artist Brett Lysne, Choice Bank put their People First values front-and-center. Each of the four DIRTT panels highlights one of Choice Bank’s core values: “Better the places we live.” “Embrace change and encourage innovation.” “Know when to ask for help and know when to offer help.” “Work hard. Do the right thing. Have a little fun!”

In the end, the transformed spaces stand as a testament to the institution’s commitment to its core values and its unwavering dedication to putting People First. With support from InterOffice, Choice Bank has created two locations that not only accommodate the bank’s growth but also provide a welcoming environment for both employees and customers.

“We are very happy with how things turned out. It’s been a really great partnership, and with the experience [InterOffice] gave us, we continue to think of them for our other projects,” Szudera said. “I know they are the best.”