Get to know Janet
The path to working with investments
Q: Tell us a little bit about your work background.
Janet: I’ve worked in financial services for over 25 years. I spent 16 years with another bank in Alberta and the rest with Bridgewater. I oversaw deposit service operations at Bridgewater for about nine years, helping to streamline the business, so our partners receive the best service possible. Now, as a BDM, I partner with investment firms and show them how our investment products will help their clients build a well-rounded portfolio. My underlying knowledge of the business, combined with an in-depth understanding of how our deposit services department works, enables me to provide our partners with recommendations that are right for their business and clients. Ultimately, we want to help our partners create lifelong clients who trust in their brand while offering a safe and secure investment.
Q: Why did you decide to work in this industry?
Janet: I’m fascinated with financial services—there is so much to learn about investment banking trends. I understand how hard people work for their money—I am one of those people—and it’s great to be able to help them grow that money securely. On top of that, I also help investment brokers grow their businesses by offering them the right products and the level of service they need to do their jobs successfully.
Q: Why would you recommend a GIC as an investment?
Janet: With rates at an all-time high and the market seeing volatility, GICs remain a popular and safe choice, especially for those clients who have money sitting idle but are feeling nervous about investing in the stock market. The guaranteed return gives clients peace of mind. Plus, GICs have insurance attached to them so each investment is protected. GICs are straightforward, and so few things are when it comes to investing, so I think clients appreciate knowing what they’re getting.
Why stay with Bridgewater Bank?
Q: You’ve had a long tenure with Bridgewater Bank. What is it about the company that makes you stay?
Janet: I love the culture here. Employees are treated well— like they’re family. And in turn, employees take good care of our partners; it’s actually called TYLF (treat you like friends and family), and we really live it. Our employees ensure our partners receive the best service, and those contributions don’t go unnoticed. We won the best mortgage employer award two years in a row; that alone shows what a great place this is to work.
Q: What’s your favourite part of being a BDM?
Janet: Hands down, connections with people. I get to talk to people daily. That might sound exhausting to some, but it gives me energy. We pride ourselves on our service here— I really like that you can talk to someone at any time. Connection is missing today, so being able to connect on a personal level with my partners gives me super job satisfaction. I also get to see the actual results of my work through the success of our partners. I talk to them daily, and I hear their struggles, and then it’s up to me to remove those barriers. Is there any better satisfaction than knowing you’ve listened, mobilized, and solved a problem for someone? Maybe I’m biased, but I love it.
Q: In the span of your career, what are you most proud of?
Janet: Taking the leap of faith and moving into the BDM role at Bridgewater Bank. I had spent most of my Bridgewater career working on the business side of things. Moving into the BDM role has allowed me to work directly with our partners, and it’s been fantastic. Moving was both scary and exciting, but I’ve never regretted it. Building lasting relationships is the best part of this job, and the ultimate payout is the genuine connections I make. I love that, and it never gets old.
On a personal note
Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
Janet: Machu Picchu. I would enjoy the challenge of the hike to see the ruins and such a different landscape. It would be a cool adventure.
Q: What’s your most treasured item?
Janet: I would say my running shoes (and I have many pairs). I take them everywhere—even on vacations. If I don’t have room to pack them, I’m not going. I find I can cover more area running, and it’s a great way to check things out.
Q: What’s a skill you’d like to learn and why?
Janet: I recently took a class on making macarons. I would love to become more proficient at making them on my own. They are not easy to make.
Final thoughts
Q: Do you want to share some final thoughts about your job?
Janet: I love my job—being a wealth professional in financial services is fascinating, and every day is a little different. As I mentioned before, I enjoy working with people across the investment banking industry and talking to them about what we have to offer. We pride ourselves on being responsive and available when our partners need to speak to us—that personal touch is part of the culture here. That’s why you can always talk to a person at Bridgewater, whether it be me, or our amazing deposit services team, which is something you may not experience at a bigger firm. I understand the frustration of not being able to talk your situation out with a real person. That doesn’t happen here, we answer the phone.
I also believe in our investment products. What we offer is safe and secure, and the rate is always competitive, especially now. I feel good at the end of the day knowing I’m there for my partners and that their clients are happy with the product.
Get to know our people and our business. Learn more about our amazing BDM here to help you. Meet Janet Petonjic-Rogers, your expert BDM with Bridgewater Bank.
Janet Petonjic-Rogers
Manager, Business Development – Deposits
jpetonjicrogers@bridgewaterbank.ca
P: 1.403.355.1172
C: 1.403.561.4276