Meet Nicole Hanson

Nicole M. Hanson, Business Development Banking Officer
Mercantile Bank
5444 State Street Ste #2
Saginaw, MI 48603
989.596.7721
www.MercBank.com​


​

Q:  How long have you been with your company?
A:  Since June 2023.

Q:  How long have you been a Chamber Ambassador?
A:  Since January 2024.

Q:  What do you like about being an Ambassador? 
A:  I enjoy getting to connect with business’ in the area that I necessarily would not visit on my own. Being an Ambassador gives me purpose to enter these organizations and confidently introduce myself and start building relationships. It is more than networking and learning who does what to me. A lot of the connections I have made over the past year have been very meaningful not only professionally but personally as well. I look forward to our networking events and getting a chance to meet someone new at each! I love being a part of the greatness that is Saginaw and working together with fellow community members to continue expanding that greatness.

Q:  Tell us a little about yourself.
A:  I grew up in Hemlock where I attended Hemlock Public Schools. I am a Huskie at heart but now reside in Saginaw Township (which I love) with Ray and our two children. I have been with Ray for 16 years and we have a daughter named Carly Raye (9) and a son named Lincoln Elliott (5). I graduated from Northwood University in 2017 with a bachelor's degree of Business Administration. Prior to Northwood I attended Delta College and majored in a 3+1 program offered through Ferris State University to obtain my degree in criminal justice. As soon as my family started growing, the interest I once had in the justice system had fizzled and I knew it was no longer for me. In 2007 I started my banking career when I joined Chemical Bank as a part time teller. I quickly went fulltime, then to supervisor and so on. I have worn many hats throughout my banking career in different organizations through multiple mergers and acquisitions. Through all these opportunities I have discovered that I enjoy working directly with people the best. 

Q:  What was your first job? 
A:  I started cleaning houses when I was 14 years old! I had always cleaned for friends, family members, acquaintances and as I got more experienced, I ventured out to obtain more and more clients. I enjoyed providing my services to those who didn’t have the time to clean or the capabilities. I was self-motivated, good at what I did and loved making people happy. 

Q:  What worries keep you up at night? 
A:  I try to keep things in perspective. I try to rationalize the things within my control and let be the things that I really have no control over. Mostly I have very little time to worry about much, so I try and deal with things as they come. 

Q:  What is your greatest achievement?
A:  I believe just being where I am today is an achievement. Growing up I faced many challenges that not everyone can relate with. I did nothing on my agenda the “traditional” way, for lack of a better term. I am proud of where I am and the work that I’ve put in to get here. 

Q:  What is your most prized possession? 
A:  My family, of course! 

Q:  What is something unique in your office?
A:  The art that was hung in my office displays the back garden view at the Saginaw Art Museum. Years ago, during one of my many volunteer opportunities, I was working with some colleagues to help clean up that garden. We spent the day raking, planting, and adding soil to the grounds to help beautify the area. I did not pick out the art for my office which is why I think it is unique piece. It is a humble reminder of how connected everything in our community is. 10 years ago, while I was cleaning up that garden and having a blast with my colleagues, I would have never imagined how it would come back full circle. 

Q:  What do you like to do in your spare time?
A:  I love spending time with my kids doing pretty much anything, except homework….we don’t like doing that together. We do enjoy traveling, concerts, spending as much time outside as possible, reading, biking on our rail trails, visiting the parks and of course the Zoo. Family time is so important to us and seems so limited by our day-to-day activities that when we do get time where we can all just be together, we cherish it no matter what we are doing. Except for homework.

Published: March 2024