You could say that a job with terrible hours led Melissa Berengue to a career in the financial industry.
In her late teens and early twenties, Berengue worked for a movie theater.
“As an assistant manager, I was responsible for customer service and managing 40+ employees, while working long hours and late nights,” she recalled. "I was often coming home from work at 3 a.m.”
When the late night/early morning shifts became untenable, Berengue noticed an ad in the paper for a job at a local credit union.
“I applied thinking it would be a bit of a stretch to get the position. Fortunately, I was hired and that’s when I started my credit union career path. Working at a credit union affords me the opportunity to help people achieve their financial goals, whether it be opening their first credit card or applying for a home loan,” Berengue said.
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“It’s very rewarding.”
Today, Berengue is a senior branch manager at Napa’s Travis Credit Union.
1. What was your childhood ambition?
When I was a child, I wanted to be a nurse. I see the connection since nurses help people, and that’s what I get to do now — help people with their finances.
2. What was your first job?
I grew up in Lemoore, (Kings County) California. My dad was in the military and my first job was on base working as a pool cashier.
3. What is the worst job you've ever had?
I worked as a cashier in a convenience store for a very short window of time. The backstory is that I was working for a swimwear manufacturer based out of L.A. They suddenly went out of business and didn't notify employees until the morning they ceased operations. We were laid off that day. I had just purchased a car and didn’t want to miss a payment. Thankfully, I was able to get a job at a local convenience store temporarily through a family connection. I was only there for two months, but I didn’t miss a car payment!
4. What is the biggest challenge the financial industry has faced?
I think the biggest challenge the financial industry faces at the moment is high interest rates. Rates for home loans, auto loans and other loans are increasing, and that is becoming a challenge. Higher interest rates are making it hard for people trying to buy their first home. It’s industry-wide across the board. I’m hoping they come down soon.
5. Who do you most admire in the business world?
I really admire my regional manager Gary Glenn. He started as a supervisor at Travis Credit Union and was quickly promoted to a manager role in Vallejo. He’s currently a regional manager. I find his input so valuable when it comes to business. When there are work issues that I am struggling with, he has a solution.
He’s very successful and has always been extremely supportive of my career and growth. I consider myself lucky that I get to work with him, learn from him, and support our members and their financial goals collaboratively with him.
6. What’s one thing Napa could do to help local business?
My husband and I have three children, and we live in Napa. When our family wants to go out to eat, our options are high-end restaurants or fast food, which makes it difficult and pretty pricey for middle-class families wanting to dine out. There are not enough mid-range options.
7. If you could change one thing about the financial industry, what would it be?
Fraud. It’s such an ever-growing and changing issue that affects so many members negatively. At Travis Credit Union, we’re consistently educating our members on the various known scams that are being used so they are aware and can better protect themselves against it.
8. What’s your favorite gift to give?
I love to bake and give baked goods as gifts. In fact, my staff often asks me to bake for them. The two most requested treats are my extra big chocolate chip cookies (they're about four times the size of a normal cookie) and caramel popcorn. I've had people ask where I bought them, and they’re always surprised when I tell them “I baked them!”
9. What’s your favorite charity or nonprofit?
I’m partial to Celiac.org because my daughter was diagnosed three years ago with Celiac disease. I donate to them and participate in fundraisers for them as well. American Cancer Society is also near to my heart because I've had a lot of family members pass away from cancer.
10. What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
That I love Disney and visit Disneyland almost monthly.
Travis Credit Union is located at 3263 Claremont Way in Napa, 707-449-4000, traviscu.org