Associate Spotlight: Maricela Franco

Meet Maricela, a calm and dependable leader who has been part of Fremont Bank for two and a half years. As Operations Manager for the Pleasanton branch, she helps create meaningful client experiences while keeping daily operations on track and supporting her team with an organized, solution-focused approach. Her story is one of service, steady leadership, and making a positive impact each day.

How long have you worked at Fremont Bank, and what’s your role? 

I have worked at Fremont Bank for two and a half years, and I currently serve as the Operations Manager for our Pleasanton branch.

What do you enjoy most about your job? What motivates you each day?

What I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity to truly connect with our clients and create positive, meaningful experiences for them each day. As an Operations Supervisor, I love supporting my team, stepping in to solve challenges, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly on the operational side.

There’s something incredibly rewarding about knowing that every person who walks through our doors feels welcomed, valued, and taken care of. Being able to build trust within our community, while working alongside a team that shares the same commitment to service, makes what I do both fulfilling and fun.

What motivates me every day is making a difference, whether that’s helping a client resolve an issue, coaching a team member to succeed, or contributing to a strong, positive branch environment. Seeing the direct impact of our work on both our clients and our team keeps me driven and passionate about what I do.

What’s your greatest strength as a business professional?

My greatest strength as a professional is my ability to stay calm, organized, and solution‑focused in any situation. Whether I’m assisting clients or supporting my team, I’m able to quickly assess what’s needed, communicate clearly, and ensure that tasks are completed accurately and efficiently. I take pride in being dependable and approachable, which helps create a positive environment for both clients and coworkers.

What are your top three favorite ‘90s hip-hop artists or groups?

My top three favorite ‘90s hip-hop artists are Tupac, Notorious B.I.G., and A Tribe Called Quest. Their music defined the era for me; powerful lyrics, iconic beats, and timeless songs that still hit today.

If you watched SpongeBob SquarePants: What is it about that show?

What I’ve always loved about SpongeBob SquarePants is how lighthearted and silly it is. No matter how old you are, the show has a way of making you laugh with its over‑the‑top humor and unforgettable characters. Honestly, a lot of the lines from the show still live rent‑free in my brain.