It is hard to imagine doing anything for four decades, but John Stringile has been working at TD Canada Trust Bank for 40 years and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I think it is the best job in the world,” he said.
“It must be great because it has kept me here for 40 years and counting.”
Stringile started working for TD as a manager in training at the Riverside Branch in Calgary when he was 19 years old in 1970. Since then, he has worked for TD in Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and, for the past 10 years, Airdrie.
“I love this community,” he said. “I like the friendly people and the fact that there is a small town atmosphere with all the big city amenities. Getting around is easy, with no traffic jams. There is a real sense of community here. I have had the opportunity to move out of the community but it is such a great place to work, I wanted to stay.”
Stringile said it was a pleasure to raise his three children in Airdrie. He has been a huge influence on his two daughters and wife, who also work for banks.
“I’m glad my family members are in banking,” he said.
“I know how much it taught me about people, business and the community. This way, we can share in the joys and the frustrations.”
Stringile said there is a down side to his job.
“I don’t like my job when there is nothing you can do for a client,” he said.
“When something is out of your control and you have to say ‘no,’ it can be really hard.”
Despite the negative side of the business, Stringile said one of the reasons he enjoys getting up and going to work in the morning is the fact that TD Bank provides a work/life balance.
“They are one of the few companies that really care about their employees,” he said.
“They always find ways of making work easier.”
Something that has made his job easier over the past 40 years is the introduction of technology.
“When I started, we were still posting by hand,” he said.
“Now we are continually upgrading and always at the head of technology. I don’t have to remember everything anymore, now I just have to remember where things are in the system.”
Stringile said the Internet has revolutionized the way banks work.
However, when it comes to being a good manager, Stringile said the most important tool is your ears.
“A good manager is a good leader and to be a good leader, you must listen to your employees,” he said.
“You must involve them in decision making and always be prepared to do anything you ask your employees to do.”
Stringile manages 24 employees and he encourages anyone interested in banking as a career to ask someone in the business.
“When I started, I thought I was going to work in a bank for a year and then go back to school, but I got into it and I enjoyed it too much to leave,” he said.
“It is a great job that is really fulfilling.”
Stringile plans to retire in two years but said that isn’t set in stone.
“If I have to retire, it will be when I’m 62 but I am still enjoying the job, so if they still want me and I’m still having fun, I’ll stay.”
