From Teller to COO: Brian McCabe's Inspirational Journey at Southside Bank

"It got to the point where you were waiting on friends all day long," Brian McCabe recalls, reflecting on his early days as a teller at Southside Bank. For McCabe, what started as a job quickly turned into a passion, rooted in personal connections and a vibrant work environment. Now, over 40 years later, he serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO), demonstrating how dedication and a customer-focused mindset can lead to incredible career growth.

Starting as a Teller

McCabe began his career as a relief teller at the sole branch of Southside Bank. Reflecting on those early days, McCabe remembers the bustling environment before the era of online banking. He recalls one customer telling him, "Your lobby looks like the floor of the New York Stock Exchange!" Customers were always lined up and eager for personal interaction. As a relief teller, McCabe took over when other tellers went on their lunch breaks. When he wasn’t at a window, he would be counting cash. Despite the hectic pace, he found joy in his role, particularly in the relationships he built with regular customers. “You know, I'm generally an introvert,” says McCabe, “but being a teller and seeing those people every day, you kind of learn to enjoy seeing your customers. You get to know people and get excited when the people you know walk in! They’d choose to go to your line so they could talk to you and tell you about their grandchildren or whoever it may be.”

This early experience taught McCabe the importance of customer service and the delicate balance required when handling difficult situations. “There are times when you have to tactfully say no,” says McCabe, “And if someone is upset with the bank, they may take it out on you. You have to figure out how to take care of them even then. But I still tell people that being a teller was probably my favorite job I've had here, and I've had lots.”

Career Growth and Adaptation

McCabe's career at Southside Bank evolved rapidly. After his time as a teller, he moved through various roles, including head teller, motor bank manager, and later, into the bank's treasury and deposit operations. With each role, McCabe embraced the challenges and opportunities presented to him, whether it was managing retail operations or diving into the emerging field of treasury sales.

One of the most significant changes McCabe witnessed during his career was the technological evolution within banking. From the introduction of debit cards to the launch of the bank's first website, McCabe was at the forefront of these innovations.

Lessons Learned and Advice for Others

Throughout his career, McCabe adhered to the philosophy of doing what you love. He believes that passion for your work makes it feel less like a job and more like a fulfilling journey. He explained the mindset that was crucial in his progression from teller to COO: “I would always tell my supervisor, ‘I'll look into that’ or ‘I'll figure out how we do it.’ It's just really being open to opportunities and taking responsibility. A lot of that goes back to doing something you love.”

The Culture of Southside Bank

“The genuine commitment the bank has to the communities that we serve is not just lip service,” said McCabe. “We really want to do well in the community and take care of people. While the bank has grown a little, it's still family to me. I’ve learned that if I do what's in the best interest of the bank and its customers, the bank will take care of me. And the bank has.” This culture of mutual respect and support has been a significant factor in McCabe's long and successful career.

Conclusion

Brian McCabe's journey at Southside Bank is an inspiring example of where dedication, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities can lead to a rewarding career path. Brian continues to serve our bank well as he oversees treasury management, debit cards, deposits, fraud prevention, and ongoing operations at Southside. As a bank, we are thankful for Brian and all our team members who work hard to continually serve our customers and the communities where they live.