Stories Archive

AgWest Farm Credit is built on a foundation of service, making sure every process runs smoothly to support customers. At the center of this effort is the Loan Accounting department, which handles accounting for customer loans, payments and disbursements, online banking actions, statements, rate change and tax notices, and loan term modifications.

Mandi Wendt serves as a Director of Loan Accounting, leading a team serving Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana. Although Mandi and her team rarely interact with customers directly, their work significantly impacts customers through accurate and efficient support.

Mandi works from her office in Spokane, Headquarters.

Mandi joined AgWest seven years ago working in payment processing. Over time, Mandi’s role grew, leading to her promotion to director nearly three years ago. Now, she oversees the team that ensures every transaction and request from customers—from online payments to wire transfers, and through the mail to in person in a branch—is handled with precision.

Mandi recalls being drawn to AgWest by its reputation for valuing its people. “My mom worked here before me and couldn’t stop talking about how much she loved her job. I wanted to be part of a company with that kind of culture.”

One of Mandi’s key recent accomplishments has been leading the centralization and alignment of transaction processing across AgWest’s territory. Specially trained loan accounting team members in Rocklin, California have been completing all monetary transactions for branches in California and Arizona, while branches in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana have been independently keying transactions. Throughout 2024, under Mandi’s leadership, she helped teams in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana transition to a collaborative effort with the loan accounting team and align this service for all AgWest customers. Through this unification, Mandi worked to maintain the same level of personalized service customers depend on.

This project used a phased approach, and Mandi helped guide implementation with branches state by state, which provided her with invaluable insights into regional differences and allowed for real-time adjustments. “We made over 80 changes to the process based on feedback from branches and customers,” Mandi explains. “That collaboration ensured it worked for everyone—our team, the branches, and most importantly, the customers.” By the end of 2024, the transition was complete across branches in Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Washington.

For AgWest customers, the centralized system throughout these states delivers greater consistency and accuracy. With her team handling an average of 435 customer requests daily—and often more during peak times—Mandi leverages her team’s specialized expertise to mitigate any errors and improve response times.

Centralization also means a more uniform experience for customers, regardless of which branch they visit. “Our goal is that customers don’t even notice the change,” Mandi says, “and they benefit from it—fewer errors, more accurate statements and smoother transactions.”

Beyond accuracy, Mandi’s team works to protect customers in other ways. For instance, her team recently flagged suspicious wire instructions for a transaction. Through additional verification with the branch and the customer, they avoided potential fraud. “It’s moments like that when we know we’re making a difference,” Mandi reflects. “Even though we’re behind the scenes, our work protects our customers’ interests.”

Mandi connects deeply with AgWest’s purpose of championing agriculture by serving as a trusted resource. While she doesn’t have a background in agriculture, stories of AgWest’s customers inspire her. “Seeing the incredible things they’re accomplishing in their farms and communities reminds us why our work matters,” she says.

Mandi heads to a meeting in Spokane, Headquarters.

Collaboration has been vital in making these improvements possible. From working with branches to partnering with other departments, Mandi highlights how essential teamwork is to AgWest’s success. “There’s something special about seeing everyone align to accomplish a common goal. It’s why we work so well together,” she says.

Mandi remains focused on continuous improvement. With system upgrades and new projects on the horizon, she’s eager to bring even more innovation to AgWest’s processes. “Now that we’ve centralized and aligned monetary transaction processing, I’m excited to build on this progress and make our service even stronger,” she shares.

Mandi’s team’s commitment to accuracy, security and service ensures every step supports the farmers and ranchers who depend on AgWest. Through teamwork, expertise and a shared vision, Mandi and her team help customers thrive—firmly rooted in the belief that success begins with exceptional support. By ensuring accurate processes and quick responses her team enables Relationship Managers and Loan Specialists to focus on their customers, and for customers to focus on growing their enterprises.

Return to Stories home page.