First and Last Name: Caitlin M Aussprung
Hometown: Cedarburg, WI
Educational Background: BS in Business Management and Leadership with a minor in Theatre from Wisconsin Lutheran College (Milwaukee, WI)
Describe Yourself in Three Words: Creative, Altruistic, Hospitable
Place of Employment and Position: Personal Banker, National Exchange Bank & Trust
What do you enjoy the most about your current position?
When I’m not at work, I’m a little old lady wrapped in a blanket doing Sudoku puzzles. When I’m at work…it’s the same thing. I LOVE SOLVING PUZZLES, AND I LOVE HELPING PEOPLE IN A WAY THAT HAS ACTUAL IMPACT, and that’s what being a personal banker is. Solving “money puzzles” is really a rewarding way to serve my community. And my customers make me laugh when they laugh, cry when they cry…My life is so much more dynamic with them in it.
What is the one thing you would do if you knew you could not fail? Make more art.
How has YPF contributed to your personal and/or professional development? YPF can really take a LOT of credit (and not just because I’m writing this for a YPF thing). I’ve always been a driven person, but YPF has really given me direction and opportunities to utilize and hone that trait into something actually useful.
I’ve met incredible people that are doing incredible things, and—not only that—but I can even consider these amazing people to be my FRIENDS.
I’ve been able to experience this community in ways I never expected to find here in Fond du Lac, WI.
Who or what is your source of professional inspiration? I think I can learn something from everybody—and I try to do so!
What are some of the professional and volunteer groups you participate in?
- YPF: Member Engagement Committee, Co-Chair Casino Night planning Committee
- New Beginnings Pregnancy Care Center: Board Member, Resident Assistant
- ASTOP Inc.: Board Member
- FDL Historical Society: Curator Committee
- Internally on NEBAT’s United Way Fundraising Campaign Committee
What is your favorite thing to do in the Fond du Lac area? Bop around to see live music at local venues. Walk in the parks with my doggos.
Where do you see the Fond du Lac area in 5 years? I have a great many peers that are “movers and shakers.” As we are coming into our time of greatest opportunity to edify and influence this community, I couldn’t even begin to fathom the amazing ideas that will rise to the surface…but I know it’s gonna be cool.
What words of wisdom do you have for other young professionals working in Fond du Lac? Get out there and explore! There’s a bunch of cool stuff happening right here in town!
What’s a work lesson you learned the hard way? Learn how to say, “No, thank you,” and/or “Not right now.” Setting appropriate boundaries is essential if you want to deliver your best, successful self to the activities you do choose to engage in. (And, yes, I definitely AM still working on this.)
Also: AUTHENTICITY. Don’t try to be or do things like anyone else but yourself.
What is your favorite fall activity in Fond du Lac? LITTLE FARMER in a cute Fall lewk for photo ops! Followed by a hearty dinner at one of our local supper clubs. (I take my Old Fashioneds sweet, please.) Then, if I could find some live music, that would just be the cherry on top!
What’s your favorite Halloween movie? I’m not much for scary movies, but I love a little spoopy time…so probably Nightmare Before Christmas. I’m also a true crime junkie year-round.
What is the best Halloween candy? CHOCOLATE.
If you could change the ending of any famous movie, which movie would it be? What would your new ending be? *deep breath* It…IRKS me when screen adaptations of books/plays deviate too far from the original, and I’ll just leave that there.
Favorite decade? Why? As far as fashion goes, I think my collection of vintage clothing demonstrates that I love the 1950s and ‘60s. But all my vintage-loving friends say it best: we love Vintage Style, but Not Vintage Values. The 2020s are an…interesting time to be alive, and it’s very interesting to watch humanity progress.
