Banking: Cassie Fontaine

Idaho Independent Bank is a community bank and Cassie Fontaine takes that charge very seriously.

“As a community bank, we do it all,” Fontaine says. “I try to focus on the welfare and success of my clients. I like understanding people’s stories and why they’re doing well.”

She says her biggest strength is being honest and passionate every day, and that’s been a lifelong trait. Fontaine counts as one of her biggest accomplishments the fact that she’s the first in her family to graduate from college – she’s a College of Idaho grad – with honors, no less, as well as the first to complete graduate school. She played with the idea of going into architecture, but found her true talent when she got an internship with First Security Bank, which is now Wells Fargo. The internship led to a full-time position right out of school, and within two years, Fontaine had risen to the titles of business relationship manager and assistant vice president.

Another opportunity she counts as a blessing was a little outside her field. Fontaine helped start an electrical utility construction company in Boise. The company specialized in high-voltage electrical substation design and testing for wind generation machines. Fontaine set up and managed the books, human resources, insurance and the legalities of the business, among other responsibilities. Interestingly, the experience continues to help her in her current work.

“I think working for the company made me a better lender,” Fontaine says. “I got to see the other side of what my customers do. I can really understand the pains of having trouble making payroll.”

In 2005, Fontaine took on a new position as vice president and commercial loan officer for Idaho Banking Company, where she managed a new loan portfolio and saw it grow to over $30 million by 2011. At that point, she changed horses again and went to work for Idaho Independent Bank. Today, she focuses on commercial lending, management and operations for the bank and mentoring new leaders.

“I’m really enjoying teaching and sharing my 20-plus years of knowledge,” Fontaine says. “I’ve seen a little of everything.”

Teaching is a talent she shares outside her normal workday, as well. Fontaine helped start a student mentoring program at the College of Idaho, a group of people dedicated to connecting students with professionals and helping them prepare to enter the workforce. She says it teaches them valuable skills about how to ask questions and work on their social skills, as well as puts them in touch with people in their prospective fields.

“Students have made great connections,” Fontaine says. “We’ve seen them gain internships and job shadowing opportunities.”

She is also involved with the Meridian Arts Foundation, the College of Idaho Business Advisory Council, the Rotary Club of Boise Southwest and the United Way, to name a few. Giving back to the community, she says, is key to her success strategy.

“I like to believe that I have been successful because I care, I pay attention to detail and I bring a positive approach to opportunities,” Fontaine says. “I just do my best to bring balance (to those things).”

Fontaine says her life is currently “all about baseball,” as she is active with her son’s team. She also enjoys watching Nick, who is 12, learn to bake, a scenario which is “always a train wreck,” but which makes her proud.