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Article by Ruth Klossner, featured in the Winthrop News

Since mid-October, there’s been a new face in the corner office at the Lafayette location of Citizens Bank Minnesota.

Though Taylor Mages didn’t think she had enough banking experience when she applied for the position, bank officials felt differently and elevated her from client services representative to branch manager. She replaced previous branch manager Colin Hoffman who transferred to Lakeville when that location lost its manager.

With a year-and-a-half experience as a client services rep at Lafayette, Mages, only 23 years old, was familiar with the bank and has transitioned into her new role. As branch manager, Taylor deals with bills and the building, helps with teller transactions, handles any customer concerns, makes sure the staff has what they need, and that all shifts are covered.

With a varied list of responsibilities, Mages’ days vary a lot.

She noted, “It all depends on the day. Some days are crazy busy and I feel that I don’t get everything accomplished. Other days I feel I get everything done.”

Taylor enjoys the challenges and said that working with clients and staff are the best parts of job.

“I’ve met a good portion of the clients, some more than others, depending on how often they come in,” Mages said.

Mages works with primarily a veteran staff at the Lafayette bank. Client service rep and loan processor Laura Isaacson has been at the bank 30 years. Part-time client service reps Lori Dick and Barb Covell are also veterans, with Dick having been with the bank 43 years. On the other hand, new client service rep Cheyenne VanDeest started just two weeks ago.

Nick Peterson and Justin Gode, vice presidents in lending, have nine and six years of experience, respectively, and ag lender Carter Erickson has been with the bank three-and-a-half years.

Taylor is no stranger to the area, having grown up in New Ulm and graduating from New Ulm High School. She’s the daughter of Bradley and Theresa Mages and the grand-daughter of Dan and Arlene Mages. With Dan being one of 16 siblings, Taylor has lots of relatives in the area.

During high school, she worked at Green Mill in New Ulm as a host then—during her college years at North Dakota State University—she worked at Cash Wise in Fargo while completing a degree in finance, with a minor in banking.

Mages has one older sister, Allie Mages, who also graduated from NDSU. Allie stayed in Fargo and is an RN with Essentia Hospital there.

In her free time, Taylor enjoys reading, baking, sewing, doing puzzles, and hanging out with family and friends. During the summer months, she likes to help and watch demo derbies.

Taylor has also gotten involved in the community, joining the Lafayette Area Lions and immediately taking on the role of treasurer that Hoffman had held. With the Lions waffle breakfast and benefit this weekend, she’s had her hands full, learning the ropes and keeping everything straight.