2019-01-29 14:18:31

Cresco - After 27 years of working for Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Colleen Crow is calling it quits. She started on Jan. 26, 1992, fulfilling 27 years of work on Jan. 25, 2019, working with Linn Hvitved. Most recently, she worked with his son, Aaron.

Back then, the company was called IDS and then American Express Financial Advisors, before becoming Ameriprise in 2005, same company, different names.

She has also been with the company through three locations, on South Park Place, at CUSB Bank and, since 2007, on the upper floor of Cresco Bank & Trust.

It’s not just name changes Crow has witnessed over the years. “Change is constant,” she joked. But one of the biggest adjustments she has made is going paperless. 

“I’ve seen a lot of changes. One thing that’s been really good is how much more we can do online. Technology has grown by leaps and bounds,” Crow stated. “I started working on an IBM 5120 in 1980, so I’ve always been interested in computers. Aaron and I are the IT people.”

Crow is a master of many talents, including service work, financial planning input, answering the phone, scheduling, payroll and inputting trades. “That was the most challenging, but most gratifying,” she noted.

She said, “The secret to success is always treating clients like you want to be treated.”

One of her favorite memories of working for Hvitveds is when Linn told her she must have a double degree in mind-reading and deciphering hieroglyphics!

Now that she is retired, Crow plans to travel more with her husband, Kevin. Luckily he has a big family, so there are lots of places to visit.

“We’ll spend time with the grandkids and go on motorcycle trips.” Kevin has been retired from Donaldson’s for almost six years. “I didn’t give him any ‘Honey Do’ lists for a year after he retired. I’m expecting the same!” Colleen smiled.

The couple has been on several cruises and has visited all the states, except for five.

Leaving is happy and sad for Colleen. “I’ve loved working here. It’s always interesting. No two days are the same. I’m gonna miss all the clients I’ve worked with over the past 27 years. You develop friendships.”

With Colleen retiring, clients don’t have to worry about the service they receive. Lindsay Steinmetz, who has been working part-time at Ameriprise, will now work full-time, continuing the quality work they have grown used to with Colleen.

Everyone wishes her and her family the best of luck on her retirement.