Hard work, doing more than expected and occasional pushes from management is how Katrina Hopson worked her way through the ranks from teller to vice president of operations at the Ozark Federal Credit Union in Poplar Bluff in just 16 years.
Hopson, 38, is no stranger to hard work. While in college and keeping up with her studies, she worked at a grocery store and held an internship at Poplar Bluff Regional Hospital.
After graduation, Hopson said she was having trouble finding local work in her field.
"I walked in (to Ozark Federal Credit Union) and asked if they were hiring," she said.
The lady at the counter told Hopson she was quitting in a week and she should apply for her job. The only downfall was the job was part-time and Hopson said she needed full time.
Vice President Diane Powell insisted Hopson come in and do the interview regardless.
"It was the most no pressure interview ever and I was immediately hired," she said.
During her year as a teller, Hopson worked the lone drive-thru window at the Credit Union's previous location.
"It was constant and non-stop," Hopson said of the line of cars, which she would occasionally go outside and service when the line was jammed.
"Maybe they saw a strong work ethic," Hopson said when asked to step into her next role.
When the receptionist/member service representative position became open, Hopson was asked to fill the spot.
"I said no," she said. "They had to drag me kicking and screaming to the new desk."
While Hopson does not like change, she added she is a "rules type person" and became engrossed in compliance.
"It became a passion," she said of her new position.
Hopson served in the member service representative position for six years, all the while asking President Kirk Mondy and Powell if there was anything more she could do.
"I can not stand to be stagnant. I have to be doing something," she said. "I was assigned additional tasks to the point I quit asking because I had a heavy work load."
One of those additional tasks included helping process loans from time to time.
With an employee in the loans department retiring, Hopson made another move for the next six years of her career at Ozark Federal Credit Union.
"I got dragged kicking and screaming once again," she said with a smile. "I don't like change."
In her new position, Hopson did mortgages, all loans offered by Ozark Federal Credit Union and collections.
"I was a natural at collections," she said. "We had very little repossessions. It was a savings for everyone because a loss for the Credit Union is a loss for our membership overall."
Hopson said when Executive Vice President Chad Wolfram began in 2010, he noticed a special talent in her.
"He sees talent in people very clearly," Hopson said. "He told me I would work well in management and we were not utilizing my gifts."
Pulled by the hand once again to a new position, Hopson was named operations manager.
"I was freaking out about the position, but it came natural," she said. "It's a matter of sitting and waiting for problems to come and I thrive on something different every day."
In true Hopson fashion, she was going the extra mile once again in her job. To place her in the right position, she was named vice president of operations in January.
As someone who despises change, Hopson was able to transition herself into new roles over the years through her love of new challenges.
"As much as I don't like change, I also don't like redundancy and feeling like I've done all I can do," she said. "I definitely got my wish in this new position. Every day I walk in and I'm working on something else."
Moving through the ranks has not been a smooth journey for Hopson. She has faced her share of obstacles as well.
Shortly after starting at Ozark Federal Credit Union, Hopson had a major fibromyalgia flare up and missed a lot of work.
"I never thought my job was in jeopardy," she said.
During another flare up, Hopson said coworkers rallied behind her and assisted in any way possible.
"It was never a big deal," Hopson said when her health was not at 100 percent.
"Thank God I was able to get through because others are not as lucky," she said. "It's a battle each day."
After only a year and a half with the Credit Union, her mother suffered a major stroke at just 39-years-old.
"I remember Kirk and Diane being there with me in the hospital room," Hopson said. "Kirk is really supportive of his staff and overly understanding."
She also recalled employees being offered opportunities elsewhere, but passing because of their love for the Ozark Federal Credit Union.
The Credit Union has become an extended family for the employees and even those on the outside have taken notice.
Hopson said her sister has commented when walking in the Credit Union, it feels like home and not a bank.
Not only has the family atmosphere and close friendships kept Hopson at the Ozark Federal Credit Union for 16 years, but so has the rewarding work.
She has found satisfaction in helping people establish budgets, get out of debt and employing people to support their families.
As vice president of operations, Hopson said she loves to see people excel in new positions and promoting employees to new areas, much like what has been done for her.
"It's satisfying for me to have worked my way up and have my nieces see me do it," she said.
For other women looking to move through the ranks, Hopson said she would give them the same advice she tells her three nieces.
"You have to go the extra mile and do more than what is expected," she said. "Always be professional and show your intelligence and maturity."
This way of life has helped the women in Hopson's family all do a little better than the generation before.
Hopson's mother had her at a very young age, but continued her education by walking her daughter to daycare and then herself on to high school.
"She never quit or stopped and graduated high school," Hopson said.
Reflecting on the women in her family, Hopson said seeing each generation do a little better is "amazing" and she expects the same from her nieces and nephews.
"That's my goal," she said. "I can't wait to be 80-years-old and see what our next generation will do."