Credit Union Conversations

This week, Mark is joined by Greg Schatzke of Servion to discuss the new real estate agency rules and how they impact credit unions. Greg also gives us a state of the world and discusses untapped options for credit unions. IN THIS EPISODE: [2:33]Mark and Ashley introduce themselves [4:02] Servion Group has five businesses under its umbrella [7:00] Rules have changed for real estate contracts [11:1...

Mark goes 1-on-1 with Erie FCU CEO Brian Waugaman on various topics in and out of the credit union space. What's it like to live in Erie? How did he navigate becoming CEO after a long tenure at the credit union? What's working and what needs work today? What is Brian's crystal ball on the future? All this and more as Mark Ritter and Brian chat it up.  IN THIS EPISODE: [1:32] Brian shares his...

Welcome to this episode of Credit Union Conversations with Mark Ritter, where we delve into the strategies that set credit unions apart in a competitive financial landscape. Today, Mark is joined by Bill McKenna from McKenna Marketing, who brings a wealth of experience from the advertising industry to the credit union space. Together, they explore the critical importance of building strong, core r...

How does Julie get one of the most laid-back CEOs to organize the company and get the team focused? Find out when Julie and one of her most difficult engagements discuss the EOS process and benefits.  IN THIS EPISODE: [0:26] Mark describes how Julie has been a catalyst for MBFS [3:22] Julie shares her background that has brought her to the position she holds today [5:36] Julie defines EOS (En...

What type of impact does credit union advocacy make? How important is it to the success of credit unions? Mark and Samantha Beeler of LSCU talk about everything that goes on at our trade associations outside of the conferences we attend. Also, what is the future of trade associations for credit unions? IN THIS EPISODE: [0:25] Mark provides information about the services of MBFS and how he began hi...

Bryan and Mark go round-robin on the state of the lending world and working with partners to build your lending program. What's the state of the world like in 2024? Bryan looks into his crystal ball to discuss what volumes will be like in 2024 and 2025. What's it like to get pitched by every potential lending partner in America every week? How do you separate the good partners from the pretenders?...

Today, Mark Ritter shares his insights on the state of credit unions and strategies for running a successful credit union. He discusses the challenges and benefits of working remotely and emphasizes building strong community relationships. Mark also offers his perspective on whether attending all available conferences is wise. His comprehensive analysis aims to guide credit union leaders toward su...

Bill Beardsley of Michigan Business Connection joins our host, Mark Ritter today to hit a wide range of topics from the credit union and non-credit union worlds. Since Bill's office is in Ann Arbor and he's a Michigan State fan there will bound to be some Big Ten talk sprinkled in the conversation. IN THIS EPISODE: [2:26] Bill shares his professional background [7:47]  Discussion of the creat...

Today, Mark is joined by Seth Brickman, President of Ranqx, to discuss small business digital lending. Seth shares insights from his time working with Microsoft and Amazon and how he uses what he’s learned to help small businesses. IN THIS EPISODE: [2:22] Seth shares his background story leading him to Ranqx [4:08] Discussion of how  lending to small businesses has been transformed by digitiz...

Lance Teinert and Mark Ritter get together to talk about the current state of education and student lending.  Today's marketplace is interwoven with the political landscape, so Lance weighs in on how today's news headlines impact his business, CURevl.  IN THIS EPISODE: [3:02] Lance describes how he became involved in working with credit unions and weathering the storm we faced in 2018 an...

Alan Ropes and Mark Ritter discuss information security, an essential topic for our listeners. Mark admits he is not a detail guy by nature, but fortunately, VyFi is a Credit Union Service Organization, and they do a great job keeping members’ information private. Tune in for valuable information on keeping your data secure. IN THIS EPISODE: [2:06] Alan shares the history of VyFi and how they part...

MBFS and Miri have had an amazing journey together, and I’m thrilled to chat with her today. Tune in as she shares her extensive expertise in marketing and brand development. Miri also offers a unique take on AI and social media platforms. I hope you enjoy this episode of Credit Union Conversations. IN THIS EPISODE: [2:22] Miri describes how Cowe Communications has evolved over the past nine years...

What are your borrowers thinking? What do they want to make you their preferred lender? Brandon Cobb joins Mark today to talk about what it is like to be a borrower and what credit unions can do to make real estate investors long-term and happy members.  IN THIS EPISODE: [2:26] Brandon shares his professional background, taking him to HBG Capital [7:27] Brandon gives his impression of what he...

What has changed since MBFS started working with Weidenhammer? Basically everything. Jody and Mark make sense of the coming AI revolution and what we should be worried about these days with security. IN THIS EPISODE: [2:00] Jody shares his background and professional career path [6:06] Jody explains how Weidenhammer is different than other tech firms and the evolution of AI [11:46] Discussion of t...

Mark and Bob talk about the evolution of credit unions' relationship with auto dealers and indirect financing, what the pandemic was like, and what it is like to finance vehicles these days. IN THIS EPISODE: [0:51] Mark describes why he needed to purchase his first pickup truck [2:24] Bob shares his professional background  [4:08] Discussion about liquidity and interest rates [8:13] Bob discu...

Nolan Bradbury joins Mark today to talk about the relationship between lender, accountant, and member. Also, what is the best way to manage debt load? What does the conversation look like between accountant and business owner when they talk about lenders? Nolan and Mark look under the covers to talk about what lenders should know. IN THIS EPISODE: [1:52] Nolan shares his professional journey and h...

What's the value? Noelle McDonald can help. The commercial real estate market is upside down today. Mark and Noelle talk about the current state of the appraisal marketplace and what lenders should be on the lookout for now and in the future. IN THIS EPISODE: [1:16] Noelle shares her background and describes what Lender Consulting Services does [6:49] The appraisal industry is aging people out, an...

Mark Treichel and Mark Ritter talk about their respective backgrounds and what it is like on both sides of the examination process. They also talk about the current state of the NCUA and staffing levels. When should you take on examiners and when to back off? Mark and Mark talk about different strategies. IN THIS EPISODE: [0:52] Mark Ritter introduces his guest and the topic of NCUA Examinations [...

Mark and Jeff discuss Jeff's background and the mission of River City FCU. Jeff explains the value of CDFI status that credit unions can access. Jeff and Mark have a lengthy discussion about the value of credit unions of all sizes and the purpose credit unions have in today's economy, along with ideas on how to maintain the number of credit unions in the United States. IN THIS EPISODE: [0:48] Mark...

Craig and Mark talk about the old days of commercial lending in credit unions and how the dynamics between CUSO and CU’s have changed over the years. They also review the best practices in utilizing third parties to assist your lending operations.  IN THIS EPISODE: [0:24] Mark discusses what MBFS does and how it can assist credit unions. [2:17] Craig describes his background and professional...

Where has the time gone? Mark and Jeff look back at what they said a year ago to see how accurate their predictions were. They also take a look at how 2023 played out, both good and bad and what CUs should be doing to plan for the future. IN THIS EPISODE: [1:40] Jeff shares his duties and responsibilities at MBFS.  [2:00] Mark and Jeff discuss how things shifted in 2023. The hope is things wi...

How do we REALLY do as an industry? In today's solo episode, Mark looks at the principles of the credit union industry and grades each area to see where we excel and where we can improve. IN THIS EPISODE: [01:19] Mark will evaluate how credit unions are doing.  [03:43] Voluntary and open membership gets an A+.  [06:18] Democratic member control gets a D.  [09:37] Member economic par...

After talking about John's background in the mortgage business, Mark and John talk about the boom times over the last few years and low-interest cycles. John talks about the current regulatory climate today and what he expects the mortgage market to look like over the next few years. IN THIS EPISODE: [2:22] John describes how First Heritage operates and his professional background [5:52] John expl...

Joining Mark today is one of his favorite people in the credit union space along with being the most inspirational. Alisha Martin's journey is one of resilience and perseverance. Today, Alisha runs the business development efforts at Suncoast and Mark and Alisha talk about what works and what doesn't in today's marketplace to acquire new members. IN THIS EPISODE: [01:54] Alisha introduces herself...

Deposits. Everyone is looking for them, and no one seems to have the magic bullet---except John Ballantyne. Mark and John discuss the benefits of a commercial deposit focus and strategies to succeed in this line of business.  IN THIS EPISODE: [0:44] Mark explains what today’s episode is about.  [2:12] John discusses his background and how he became CEO of Tru Treasury, and he talks about...