C.J. Rinaldi

What’s your current position? Please give a brief overview.

I am a currently a Commercial Lender at Luzerne Bank. I’ve been in the position for one year with Luzerne Bank but have been in commercial lending for 5 years and have been in Banking for over 10 years. As a Commercial Lender I work with businesses and investors to help with financing needs for the purchase of real estate, equipment, vehicles, etc.

What would you say most motivates you to do the work you do? 

My biggest motivation in my career is getting to help businesses and their owners continue to grow and expand the companies they’ve worked so hard to create. I’m always happy when I hear about the success stories of clients and  knowing that I may have helped even in the smallest bit to be a part of what made them get to that point.

Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are?  Tell a bit about them and what they did that influenced you.

One of my key mentors that influenced me and who I’ve become was my Grandfather. He worked in construction when he was younger and then went back to school to become a Funeral Director and opened up the Rinaldi Funeral Home in Dunmore, which he operated until he retired. He always spoke to all of his grandchildren about how education was key, but I also remember how well he treated people and always took care of them. I really think this is why he was so successful with his business as well. He always made sure people came first and I always try to do the same whether it’s with co-workers or while I’m volunteering.

How did you learn about Leadership Lackawanna? In what class year and program did you participate? Describe your experience. What has your involvement with leadership Lackawanna been post-graduation?

I learned about Leadership Lackawanna through several colleagues of mine who had completed the program in the past. I participated and graduated from the 2019 Core Program. Core was a great experience as it covered a good amount of information from leadership techniques to local history. The program really helped me to understand how to work with a group of very different individuals and I’ve carried those experiences on with me to my everyday life as well. Since I’ve graduated from the Core Program I’ve volunteered with the Advisory Committee and have now completed three years as a Group Advisor.