Ally Fattore, VP/Bank Manager, Mechanics Bank, 77 Moraga Way
Ally Fattore is proud of the personal service that she and the other bankers provide at Mechanics Bank, as well as the bank’s support of community events and programs.
To say that Ally Fattore is an experienced banker is an understatement. She has worked at “big box banks” as well as community banks in the areas of private banking, commercial and real estate lending, and retail banking over the last 30 years. Two years ago she had the opportunity to work in Orinda rather than traveling from Alamo through the Caldecott Tunnel to Oakland; she did not hesitate. Fattore says, “The team I work with are seasoned bankers who’ve held managerial positions at their prior postings; I am fortunate to work with them.”
Mechanics Bank (MB) has provided personal and business banking, trust and estate services, brokerage and wealth management services throughout California since its founding in 1905. Fattore admires its mission, which has always been to enrich the community, cultivate lasting relationships, and provide over-the-top personal service. The Orinda branch opened in 2008.
“We support the communities we serve with time, talent and treasure,” says Fattore. Local activities and organizations MB supports include: Orinda Fourth of July parade; Lamorinda Idol; Orinda Intermediate School activities; Friends of the Wagner Ranch Nature Area; Women Sing, The Orinda Association, Holden High School, Little Leagues, Lamorinda Arts Council, Orinda Rotary, Seniors Around Town and Dancing with the Cars. The list is even longer but suffice it to say the effect of all this support enriches local lives and drives local economic growth.
When not working or doing volunteer work, Fattore applies brush to canvas and paints watercolors. Stop by to meet your hometown banker at Mechanics Bank, 77 Moraga Way in Orinda. Hours are Mon. – Thurs. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. You can get in touch by phone at 925-253-2802, 800-797-6324 or email at ally_fattore@mechanicsbank.com. Learn more online at www.mechanicsbank.com.
Photography Realtor and community volunteer Holly Henkel enjoys helping clients find a home that’s the perfect fit, whether they are first-time home buyers or experienced homeowners starting a new chapter.
Holly Henkel, Realtor at Compass, 51 Moraga Way
Holly Henkel has been a realtor for 15 years and has been with Pacific Union since 2012. Compass recently bought Pacific Union to enlarge its presence in California. Pacific Union was the number eight independent real estate company in California. Pacific Union President Mark McLaughlin will remain in charge of its branches for the near future. Compass is a national company working to become international. New branding and signs were recently put in place.
The core of Henkel’s business model is believing people deserve to own a home where they feel comfortable, safe and part of the community. Since she’s experienced that in her life, she works hard to allow others that opportunity. Knowing how to find the best fit for a new home comes naturally to Henkel. In the past she’s lived in New York/New Jersey, Boston, Atlanta, Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Beach, Florida.
Through her commitment to community service, she keeps up on what’s going on around town on many levels. She is a board member of the Orinda Chamber of Commerce, former board member of the Educational Foundation of Orinda and the Miramonte Parents Club and chairperson for Orinda Action Day (recipients of the 2013 William Penn Jr. Mott Environmental award presented by The Orinda Association).
Navigating first-time buyers through the home ownerships process means communicating by email and text messaging. Since these buyers are often close to her adult children’s ages, she’s already developed those skills. As a volunteer for the Seniors Around Town program, she’s learned lots about working at the pace of seniors and helping them adapt to change. No stranger to Rossmoor, she’s had many purchases and sales of condos and co-ops in that premier active retirement community in Walnut Creek.
Outside of work and volunteering, Henkel loves spending time several days a week with her 16-month-old grandson. An inveterate movie-goer, she also belongs to Oscar Chatter, a group that attends red-carpet events in Hollywood.
Contact Henkel at Compass, 51 Moraga Way, #1 in Orinda by phone at 925-360-2390 or via email at holly@hollyhenkel.com and visit her website at www.hollyhenkel.com.
Lamorinda Professional Women’s Referral Group (PWRG) Founded by Holly Henkel and Ally Fattore
A year ago Holly Henkel and Ally Fattore were having lunch to discuss how they could help each other build and grow their businesses through referrals. “Holly shared her positive experience with PWRG, which encourages working with ‘power partners,’” explains Fattore.
It was a no-brainer for the two to take the next step and approach the PWRG Advisory Board to establish a Lamorinda chapter. As founding members, Henkel serves as president and Fattore as secretary/treasurer. Currently there are 14 members; they are looking for about 10 more.
A power partner is a member of the group whose business is complementary to another woman’s business. Henkel says, “For example, a realtor’s power partner would be a mortgage broker.” Annual dues are affordable at $50 per year with quarterly dues of $25. There are chapters in Concord, Danville, Lamorinda, Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek. Each chapter has one member represented for each industry. Both agree that if you like working with women, this is the networking group for you.
PWRG holds two annual luncheons for all chapters in June and December. Quarterly mixers are hosted by rotating chapters. Both events provide an opportunity to meet fellow members. At PWRG’s recent holiday luncheon, $800 was raised for CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocates.
Lamorinda PWRG meets the first and third Thursdays of the month from 9 – 10:15 a.m. at 51 Moraga Way, Suite 6, Orinda. Find out more about Lamorinda PWRG at www.pwrg.net. Contact Holly Henkel at 925-360-2390 or holly@hollyhenkel.com and Ally Fattore at 925-253-2802 or ally_fattore@mechanicsbank.com.
