Jan Bacchi reflects on five decades with Penn Community Bank
On June 25, 1971, Jan Bacchi took a summer job at her local bank on Mill Street in Bristol Borough. What began as a temporary gig clearing paperwork in the basement of the branch has turned into a 50 year career – all of it with Penn Community Bank.
“It was only supposed to be a summer job. One day I got called into an office and was told the accounting department needed help and they wanted me to join full time. So I can say I literally worked my way out of the basement,” Jan laughs.
After stints in accounting, mortgage tax, and as a teller, in the early 1980s Jan joined recently retired Penn Community Bank team member Connie Barna in the consumer lending department as a processor and eventually an underwriter.
“Back then, we did everything… things were manual. Paper copies and mail – we’re talking before internet, email, fax even.”
Over the years, things began to change. With new tools, lending processes became more automated, and job descriptions changed. And, with each change, Jan adapted to a new role, honing new skills. In early 2004, she continued her role as an underwriter on the origination side of Residential Lending when the consumer lending department combined with mortgage lending.
While some things are different, she says the culture of the bank hasn’t changed.
“I’ve always felt connected to the team – even through there are many more employees now than when I started. I’ve enjoyed working for an organization that feels like a family and is so supportive. We’ve always been so personable.”
In her work, Jan says she’s always enjoyed the connection to repeat customers whom you see growing and are able to support. To this day, she still loves to educate customers and community members about the lending process and with financial literacy tips and tricks.
When asked about what advice she had for others, Jan said it’s simple.
“You have to enjoy your work and enjoy the people around you. If you don’t, it makes for a long day. Even after 50 years, I still love what I’m doing.”
