Here at Pelican, our members are our number one priority. Our goal is to make a difference in the lives of our members, and that’s why we view each and every one of them as part of the family.
One thing that brings us so much joy is hearing heart-warming stories and comments from our members about how Pelican truly impacted them.
Swantje Harvey has been a Pelican member since 2003 and shares the story of how she found her way to Pelican. We also talked with Pelican team member Melanie Dupard to learn more about her most cherished moments getting to know Swantje.
Here’s what they had to say:
From Swantje
How did you first hear about Pelican?
In the early 2000s, I was in terrible financial trouble due to gambling. I found myself up the creek without a paddle.
A Human Resources representative at the company I worked for suggested I get a savings accounts with Pelican—and it worked! I slowly worked myself out of the gambling trap and Pelican helped me a few years later with a used car loan. My 1971 Volkswagen camper was on its last leg. Plus, not long after, Pelican helped me refinance my house at a fantastic rate.
All the while, Ms. Melanie Dupard was there for me every step of the way.
I stayed with Pelican because the conditions and rates of the loans were so good and I always felt welcomed.
What has been one of your favorite moments being a Pelican member?
Besides Ms. Melanie’s delightful greetings, it was when I was car shopping in 2008.
I called Ms. Melanie a couple of times to get approval for different auto loan amounts. She told me that my credit was good for quite a bit, and that I only needed to consider the monthly car note and how that would fit into my budget.
I was so happy to have come this far and she was just as happy for me.
Have you been to any community events hosted by Pelican?
I have stopped at Pelican’s booth in Denham Springs and Gonzales during various festivities. I have been to a few annual meetings and the grand opening of the Prairieville branch.
Who are your favorite team members at Pelican?
As you may know by now, Ms. Melanie!
As a token of my appreciation for Melanie, I’ve even brought her back souvenirs from the times that I visited Europe. The points I earned on my Pelican Points Visa® card helped make those trips possible!
I haven’t had very many personal interactions with Pelican team members besides short window cash transactions, which are always done in a very friendly and professional way.
I do remember Kathy Burns and Sherry Garcia fondly from when I took my loans out a long time ago. Also, Valarie Rushing, who helped me with my foreign currency exchanges at the Mid City branch has impressed me greatly with her knowledge and professionalism.
From Melanie
Can you share how you first met Swantje?
Ms. Swantje Harvey and I first met in 2003.
She was advised to open a savings account after some financial struggles that she had battled with for some time. She worked for the state of Louisiana and was informed by a coworker to contact Pelican.
Ms. Harvey and I initially met when she visited our Lake Sherwood branch (which also used to be our corporate office), and I was a Member Service Representative at the time. I answered some questions she had, let her know about some of our products, and helped open up her very own savings account.
Ever since then, our friendship ensued beyond just finances.
What kind of experiences have you both shared at Pelican?
I was honored to share in Ms. Harvey’s excitement when she signed the loan documents for her vehicle. After receiving an approval for the loan application, she became overjoyed. Tears flowed as she realized the mountain she thought she had to climb in order to be successful appeared to be cast into the sea. It became like a grain of salt.
Additionally, the terms including the interest rate were within her budget and she began to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Is there a moment that stands out with Swantje that you’d like to talk about?
Ms. Harvey’s smile is so contagious. It could melt even the coldest of hearts.
Every time I invite her to a Pelican event, she never lets me down. She comes with an extremely high level of enthusiasm and compassion in her heart.
I’m very blessed to work for a company where relationships are not temporary and lukewarm. They’re meaningful, intentional, and long-lasting. Ms. Harvey and I may not see each other or speak to each other every day, but the gratitude I have for her friendship will last a lifetime.
Do you have a story to share about a Pelican team member? Drop a comment below and let us know!
Once a Pelican State CU member, always a member—through life’s milestones, we’ll always be there to help you with your financial needs. Your Financial Family for Life. Give us a call at 800-351-4877.
Love this story so much! ❤️