By DEREK REDD

WHEELING — Kristen Caldwell’s career at Main Street Bank — her banking career in total, to be honest — came, she said, kind of by happenstance.

She got her foot in the door at the bank when she had her husband ask a friend if any teller positions were available. That was her entry into the industry and her climb up the ladder, now to residential and consumer lender at Main Street Bank, has been steady since then.

“I came to Main Street Bank in 2009 because I had heard so many amazing things about them and their value of customer service,” she said, “and I just knew I needed to be a part of it. It was the best decision I had ever made.

“When I made it into mortgage loan processing, I just knew this was something I liked and wanted to keep doing,” Caldwell added. “My next goal was Lending Authority, so I worked hard and just learned as much as I could so I could take it to the next step. And when I closed my first loan under my name as the lender, I just knew this is what I wanted to do.”

Caldwell essentially serves as a guide for prospective borrowers. She educates and counsels them, helping them choose the best mortgage products. Once that choice is made, she helps them complete the loan process.

As she has grown in her role in the lending field in the Ohio Valley, she has noticed the growth in the role of women in lending overall, as well as the growth of women’s influence in the future of the region.

Caldwell finds that overall growth very promising, as the region’s women are proactive, positive and ready to work together, especially in banking.

“Banking has typically been a male-dominated industry,” Caldwell said, “and I feel like I can finally see more women stepping into the roles of lenders and excelling.”

With growth comes growing pains, and Caldwell admits she has faced some in her climb through the industry. Mistakes happen, she said, and one of the most important things she has learned is to acknowledge them, move forward from them remembering that no one is perfect, and learn from them. Don’t make the same mistake twice.

And, she added, continue the journey with a positive outlook. It’s a viewpoint reinforced for her by Generation Women founder Sinead Sharkey Steenson. Steenson once said, “Surround yourself with people that push you to be and do better. No drama or negativity. Just higher goals and higher motivation. Good times and positive energy. No jealousy or hate. Simply bringing the absolute best in each other.”

Life is too short to be mean or negative, Caldwell said. There are enough hurdles and pitfalls to navigate without others complicating things with bad attitudes, so it’s best to remain positive.

That’s a piece of advice she’d give young women entering the banking field or young girls considering it. Positivity is key.

“Work hard,” Caldwell said, “find a great mentor, and always find a reason to keep smiling.”