Bio of Carol-Anne Peacock
For Carol-Anne Peacock, the Golden Rule applies to business as well as personal relationships.
“Treat folks how you would like your family to be treated,” she said.
Peacock has worked at Investors Bank since 2014 when it opened its branch in Maple Shade.
She moved to the area from Scotland in 1978, found it hard to find a job, and “was lucky” to get job as a bank teller at First Peoples Bank of N.J.
A director on the Maple Shade Business Association board, Peacock said the MSBA is an important organization for the township.
“They not only care about the business community but the entire community and how business effects Maple Shade’s growth and sustainability,” she said.
Peacock said she would recommend Maple Shade to someone looking to open a business there.
“Firstly the support given to any new business coming to town is awesome, from the township planning board, networking of businesses in Maple Shade (MSBA) and many more but mostly the community,” she said.
Peacock, who grew up in Renfrew, Scotland, graduated from Glasgow, Scotland and has lived in Cherry Hill since 1980.
She said variety makes her business unique.
“Every day is different!” Peacock enthused. “Every customer has different needs.”
Also, the rewards are many at the bank.
“The feeling you get when you really help someone is always the best feeling,” she said. “That’s what we strive to do here, always what’s best for the customer.
“Some of our customers feel like family to us, they share their life stories with us, include us in many life events, etc.,” Peacock added. “It is the best feeling to be part of a community like Maple Shade, especially when you did not grow up here.”
So, what is the greatest challenge the Maple Shade Business Association faces?
“Sometimes I feel the MSBA does not get the recognition it should in the community,” she said. “I don’t believe folks know exactly who does what.
“Maple Shade has many great organizations working hard to do the best for the community we all live and work in,” Peacock continued. “And working together, pooling resources and contacts to make Maple Shade even better would be ideal.”
She said building relationships and networking are the most important things she’s learned when it comes to business.
“Just have a conversation with folks: don’t think of the sale,” Peacock said. “First, get to know folks and let them know you and the sale will come.”