Credit Union Conversations

“We don't do agricultural lending." That's the common phrase uttered across America, but why? Phil Love, the leader of Pactola, and Mark Ritter delve into the benefits of agricultural lending, how to approach it, and the advantages for lenders.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

✅ How agricultural lending empowers credit unions to support small businesses in farming communities.

✅ The role of credit unions in providing operating lines of credit and real estate loans for sustainable local food production.

✅ Key challenges and opportunities in agriculture lending, including navigating commodity markets and risk management.

✅ How credit union agricultural lending strengthens rural communities and supports America’s food supply.

Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union’s growth today.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 Phil’s role at Pactola, a credit union service organization focused on agricultural lending, and describes his farming activities, including harvesting honey

06:48 Phil explains the three types of agricultural lending: real estate loans, equipment loans, and operating lines

09:48 Discussion on how credit unions in rural communities can leverage credit union agricultural lending to support farming as community banks consolidate

11:56 Phil outlines the challenges in agricultural lending, including assessing small business balance sheets, succession planning, and external risks such as commodity markets and weather

17:45 Discussion of beef prices, carryover debt, the One Big Beautiful Bill, inflation, interest rates and oil prices

KEY TAKEAWAYS:  

💰 Agricultural lending boosts small farming businesses, helping credit unions fund local food production.

💰 Credit unions use operating lines of credit and real estate loans to support rural communities through agricultural lending.

💰 Credit union agricultural lending mitigates risk management challenges for farming operations.

💰 Farmer Mac and crop insurance enhance agricultural lending for sustainable local food systems.

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Pactola - Website

Phil Love - Email

Phone 605-223-5154

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

Mark Ritter - Website

Mark Ritter - LinkedIn

SEO KEYWORDS: 

Credit Union Conversations, Mark Ritter, MBFS, Credit Unions, CUSO Agricultural Lending, Small Business, Farming, Local Food, Rural Community, Farm Credit, Commercial Banks, Equipment Loans, Farmer Mac, Community Banks, Crop Insurance, Commodity Markets

Are you ready to revolutionize your Credit Union with cutting-edge AI? How can Pankaj Jain's expertise in technology and entrepreneurship transform your digital lending?

Welcome to Credit Union Conversations, where we unpack the future of finance with industry trailblazers. Join host Mark Ritter as he dives deep with Pankaj Jain, exploring AI innovations from Synaptic to Algebrik, building trust amid  legacy systems, and overcoming fear through continuous learning to attract Gen Z credit union members. Pankaj Jain, a serial entrepreneur whose journey from India to the heart of New York has fueled game-changing tech for credit unions, shares insights on innovation, relationship-building, and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving world. Whether you're navigating digital transformation or seeking growth strategies, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom. Let's dive in!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro: Meet Pankaj
• (03:13) Pankaj describes his early entrepreneurship and his drive for Technology
• (04:57) Pankaj recounts moving to New York and pivoting Synaptic to serve Credit Unions
• (08:10) Algebrik, started in August 2024, to build Digital ecosystems for Credit Unions
• (13:50) Pankaj shares what he has learned over the years and emphasizes Trust as key in Credit Unions, built through consistent engagement
• (19:27) Reflecting on AI discussions in 2014, before ChatGPT, facing cynicism but building credibility for Synaptic’s technology 
• (29:14) Pankaj advocates digital tools to attract younger generations to the credit unions
• (34:35) Pankaj stresses the democratization of AI Technology to avoid mergers and maintain charters 
• (39:55) Pankaj suggests the importance of education and learning about current and future technology

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• AI and digital technology are critical for credit unions to modernize lending, reduce reliance on legacy systems, and attract younger members by meeting them on mobile platforms with seamless, paperless processes.
• Building trust through consistent, personal engagement is essential for entrepreneurship in the credit union space, as Pankaj Jain demonstrates with Synaptic and Algebrik, emphasizing relationships over transactional sales.
• Overcoming the fear of change through continuous learning enables credit unions to adopt AI solutions, as Pankaj Jain advocates, ensuring that smaller institutions can compete and grow without merging, thereby preserving their mission and charter.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Mark Ritter - Website

Mark Ritter - LinkedIn

Pankaj Jain - LinkedIn

Algebrik AI - Website

Pankaj LD Jain - Website

Contact Pankaj

BIOGRAPHIES:

PJ is the Founder and CEO of Algebrik. Algebrik, headquartered in New York City, is the world's 1st cloud-native, AI-powered digital-era Loan Origination Platform (LOS), designed for the next generation of members/consumers.

KEYWORDS: AI, Credit Unions, Pankaj Jain, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Travel, New York, Synaptic, Algebrik, Digital, Lending, Members, Trust, Legacy, Systems, Fear, Learning, Loan Originating Platform, LOS

Discover the credit union trends that are driving success in today’s credit unions. Join host Mark Ritter on Credit Union Conversations as he and Keith Koval explore credit union loan volume growth and business lending participation loans, shaping the industry. This episode explores the evolving landscape of credit unions, highlighting trends that are transforming member services and community impact. Learn how credit unions are thriving in Western Pennsylvania and beyond. Discover strategies to navigate delinquency rates and leverage business deposits to overcome a liquidity crunch. Stay ahead with insights on credit union advertising and community service, driving growth and success.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

✅ How loan volume is rebounding with new and repeat borrowers.

✅ The impact of credit union advertising on market visibility.

✅ Why business lending remains a steady growth driver.

✅ The rise of participation loans and improved liquidity.

✅ How community service strengthens credit union appeal.

Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union’s growth today.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 Keith discusses the credit union advertising surge in Western Pennsylvania, boosting the loan volume uptick

05:09 Participation loans up 102%, business loans are up 11% overcoming the recent liquidity crunch, reflecting a positive credit union trend

10:14 Keith notes minor delinquency rates, not major foreclosures, aligning with credit union trends and business deposits up 8%

12:17 Keith emphasizes a lower fee structure at credit unions compared to banks, a key advantage for attracting business deposits

13:25 Mark discusses the rise of security fraud and phishing attacks targeting credit unions, urging vigilance within the credit union industry

KEY TAKEAWAYS:  

💵 Loan volume surges with repeat and new borrowers, driving credit union trends in Western Pennsylvania

💵 Credit union advertising on radio, TV, and billboards boosts visibility and business lending growth

💵 Participation loans up 102% signal recovery from the liquidity crunch, enhancing credit union stability

💵 Business deposits rise 8%, with a lower fee structure attracting members and supporting community service

ABOUT THE GUEST:

MBFS is a credit union owned organization that supports the business and investment loan programs for 106 credit unions in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Georgia, Florida and Alabama. Currently, we service over $2.5 billion in commercial loan balances. 

As the Relationship Manager for the InvestorMatch Program, I specialize in mortgages for 1-4 family residential investment properties, multi-family residential properties (5+ units), mixed-use and commercial properties.

If you are a real estate agent, mortgage banker or loan broker, please contact me to discuss how you can become part of our referral program.

If you are a real estate investor, please contact me to discuss your lending needs.

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

Mark Ritter - Website

Mark Ritter - LinkedIn

Keith Koval - LinkedIn

SEO KEYWORDS: 

Credit Union Conversations, Mark Ritter, MBFS, Credit Unions, QSO, Credit Union Trends, Credit Union Advertising, Business Lending, Participation Loans, Delinquency Rates, Business Deposits, Community Service, Member Services, Credit Union Loan Volume Growth, Business Lending Participation Loans

Want to stay ahead in the Credit Union industry? Curious about how Frank Diekmannn has shaped Credit Union Media? Join Mark Ritter on Credit Union Conversations and Frank Diekmannn, the visionary behind CU Daily, to unpack the evolution of Credit Union Media. From Trade Publications to navigating Press Releases, this episode uncovers the grit behind Credit Union Success. Expect a candid discussion on Conferences, Press Releases, and the power of the Opinion Section in driving the Credit Union industry forward.

IN THIS EPISODE:.

• (00:00) Intro: Meet Frank Diekmannn
• (02:24) Frank’s career journey from sports reporting to launching trade publications
• (03:27) Frank discusses the different credit union news media he has founded
• (05:30) From laborious phone sourcing to now journalism and press releases in the credit union's online media
• (09:21) Journalists need thick skin and curiosity to be successful
• (10:48) The evolution of the business model from print to digital, which is now ad-driven
• (14:54) Effective press releases must provide reader value for credit union success
• (18:07) Frank talks about his book, “501 Name Tags: How Everything You Need to Know About Business can be Learned at a Conference and Forgotten in the Trade Show.”
• (23:25) Discussion of what makes a valuable trade conference
• (27:45) Promotes CU Daily as the top news source with daily items, Opinion Section, and video for credit union success

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Journalism in credit union media has evolved from labor-intensive reporting during the era of Credit Union Week to the digital CU Daily, requiring Frank Diekmannn to adapt to industry consolidation and modernize press releases for the success of credit unions.
• Effective press releases must answer "why should readers care?" to engage audiences, as Mark Ritter and Frank Diekmannn emphasize providing value over corporate puffery in conferences and trade publications.
• Frank Diekmannn highlights how credit union conferences have shifted from content for credit union success to vacation-like events.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Mark Ritter - Website

Mark Ritter - LinkedIn

Frank Diekmann - LinkedIn

501 Name Tags: How Everything You Need to Know About Business Can Be Learned at a Conference & Forgotten in the Trade Show eBook - Amazon

CU Daily - Website

BIOGRAPHY:

Frank is a longtime credit union journalist and has founded various publications throughout the years. In 2025, he formed The CU Daily, which amassed a strong following in its first year.

KEYWORDS: Credit Unions, Frank Diekmann, CU Daily, Credit Union Media, Business Lending, Conferences, Journalism, News Junkie, Trade Publications, Press Releases, Marketing Director, Industry Consolidation, Sponsor Companies, Opinion Section, Credit Union Success

Calling all College Football fans, are you ready to kick off the season with some bold predictions? Want to know who’s topping the Big 10 and SEC? Join us on this episode of MBFS Quick Hits, where Mark Ritter and Keith Koval from MBFS dive into the gridiron action. From Pittsburgh to Penn State, we’re breaking down the teams to watch, like Alabama, Georgia, and Texas. Grab your game day gear and tune in for a chat that’s all about the thrill of College Football!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro: Meet Keith Koval
• (01:48) Keith shares his background as a Pittsburgh graduate and career path
• (04:10) Mark reflects on the joys of college football versus the NFL
• (06:02) Keith recalls childhood love for College Football, sparked by attending Pitt games
• (08:00) Predictions on the ACC and SEC for this year
• (10:54) Predictions on the Big 10
• (12:34) Notes Penn State’s favorable schedule, key to winning the  National Championship
• (15:07) Keith predicts Notre Dame in the National Championship, suggesting the winner of Ohio State vs. Texas is the other National Championship finalist

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Penn State and Ohio State are predicted to lead the Big 10. Mark Ritter points out Penn State’s loaded roster as a National Championship contender. At the same time, Keith Koval highlights their favorable schedule.
• In the SEC, Alabama, Georgia, Texas, LSU, and Mississippi are top picks, but Keith Koval notes their demanding schedules could impact National Championship chances.
• Clemson, Miami, Georgia Tech, Louisville, and SMU are Keith Koval’s top ACC teams, with MBFS’s Pittsburgh-based expert predicting a strong season driven by new coaches and key transfers.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Mark Ritter - Website

Mark Ritter - LinkedIn

Keith Koval -| LinkedIn

KEYWORDS: College Football, Credit Unions, Business Lending, MBFS, Keith Koval, Mark Ritter, Pittsburgh, Penn State, Alabama, Georgia, Texas, LSU, Clemson, Miami, Georgia Tech, Louisville, SMU, Big 10, National Championship, Notre Dame, Football Season, Game Day, ACC, SEC

Mark and his two guests, Mike Radway and Todd Harper, go deep with a history lesson on the passing of HR 1151. This legislation paved the way for credit union growth in the past 25 years. Both Todd and Mike worked in the office of Rep. Paul Kanjorski at the time, who spearheaded the legislation. Every credit union employee who hasn't learned about this law should listen to why we have the successful industry we have today.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) This special episode is a historical background of the credit union industry
• (03:15) Todd Harper’s his credit union background, noting his work on HR 1151
• (05:59) Mike Radway’s 50-year credit union journey, influencing legislative affairs and HR 1151
• (09:35) Creation of the common bond credit unions, driven by financial services
• (11:55) Explanation of the Supreme Court ruling against the common bond credit unions, leading to HR 1151
• (17:53) Passing a bipartisan bill, establishing a cap on business lending, and providing  consumer choice
• (26:21) Why it’s difficult to pass legislation today
• (33:10) Surprise changes in the credit union industry over the past 25 or 30 years 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• HR 1151, the credit union membership access act, was pivotal in allowing common bond expansions, enabling credit unions to serve diverse groups and ensuring consumer choice despite Supreme Court challenges.
• A bipartisan effort by Paul Korski and Steve Ette, supported by Todd Harper and Mike Radway, drove the legislative affairs success of HR 1151, addressing the crisis consensus to protect credit unions.
• The business lending cap, a result of banking committee negotiations, spurred diversification and growth of community charter credit unions, strengthening the financial services industry.

RESOURCE LINKS

Mark Ritter - Website

Mark Ritter - LinkedIn

Todd Harper - LinkedIn

Mike Radway - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHIES: 

Todd Harper:

Few people know federal financial services laws like me. That’s because I’ve written, explained and implemented them for 25+ years. As an agency executive, policy entrepreneur, political strategist and press pro, I’ve identified emerging issues, shaped public opinion, built bipartisan coalitions and advised lawmakers and presidential appointees before the U.S. Senate twice confirmed me in the Trump and Biden eras. In the words of the American Banker, I’m “the rarest of Washington creatures: A regulator who actually gets along with everyone.”

Mike Radway:

Former Chief-of-Staff to Chairman of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

Former Professional Staff, House Banking/Financial Services Committee.

Former Chairman, Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle & Council of Federal Home Loan Banks.

Former Chair, Early Care and Education Consortium

Former DNC Member, Biden delegate 2020, Obama 2012, Gore 2000

Former Treasurer, Democratic Party of Oregon

KEYWORDS: Credit Unions, History Lesson, HR 1151, Todd Harper, Mike Radway, Membership Access, Financial Services, Community Charter, Business Lending, Common Bond, Legislative Affairs, NCUA Board, Bipartisan Effort, Consumer Choice, Supreme Court, Banking Committee, Crisis Consensus, Diversification, credit union growth, credit union industry, Common Bond Credit Unions, Financial Services, Credit Union Membership Access Act, Common Bond expansions, Crisis Consensus, Bipartisan Effort, Paul Korski, Steve Ette, Protecting Credit Unions, Business Lending Cap

Are you looking to boost your credit union’s loan portfolio? Want to stay ahead in the competitive world of financial services? In this episode of Credit Union Conversations, host Mark Ritter, CEO of MBFS, sits down with Todd Stauffer, our seasoned Relationship Manager in Western Pennsylvania, to share insights on succeeding in commercial banking. From navigating market trends to leveraging speed to market for a competitive edge, Todd reveals strategies to help credit unions thrive. Tune in to learn how to adapt to changing interest rates and build lasting client relationships!

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• (00:00) Intro: Meet Todd Stauffer
• (02:17) Advice for young professionals emphasizing hard work for growth in banking and financial services
• (06:11) Borrowers are adapting to higher interest rates, reflecting changes in credit union lending
• (06:55) Varying rate expectations across markets, important for competitive lending in credit unions
• (07:15) Investors accepting lower loan-to-value ratios, relevant to commercial real estate lending
• (09:16) Speed to market as a competitive edge for credit unions against big banks
• (13:17) Maintaining high pull-through rates in loan applications, critical for credit unions 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Hard work and discipline are critical for achieving long-term success in financial services and commercial banking, requiring professionals to stay resilient, adapt to setbacks, and consistently execute well-thought-out plans to thrive in dynamic market trends.
• Credit unions secure a competitive edge through rapid speed to market and transparent communication, setting them apart from larger banks by offering tailored lending solutions and fostering trust in client relationships.
• Borrowers are demonstrating adaptability to higher interest rates and investors are accepting lower loan-to-value ratios, showcasing resilience in commercial real estate markets, which enables credit unions to support robust lending opportunities despite economic shifts.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Mark Ritter - Website

Mark Ritter - LinkedIn

Todd Stauffer - LinkedIn

KEYWORDS: Credit Union, Financial Services, Todd Stauffer, Mark Ritter, MBFS, Commercial Banking, Loan Portfolio, Western Pennsylvania, Borrower Adaptation, Interest Rates, Real Estate, Speed To Market, Competitive Edge, Client Relationships, Market Trends, Career Guidance, Credit Union, changes in credit union lending

Welcome to Credit Union Conversations, where we explore the latest in the credit union industry with host Mark Ritter. Today, we’re thrilled to have Rachel Snyder from CU Business Group diving into how credit unions can excel in business lending. From education and training to building strong small business relationships in your community, we’ll cover strategies to grow your portfolio and tackle challenges like delinquency. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro: Meet Rachel Snyder
• (03:00) CU Business Group’s launch in 2002 to support credit unions with business lending 
• (06:17) CU Business Group is committed to education, offering webinars and training 
• (11:56) Small business deposits fund commercial loans, enhancing credit union stability
• (15:15) Specific markets of small business deposits and loans can ensure effective service
• (18:35) Discussion of credit union accounts, ripe for business lending opportunities
• (22:22) Rachel recommends basic business checking/savings and advanced services like remote deposit capture
• (25:49) Rachel addresses rising delinquency in loans, urging credit unions to manage portfolio risks proactively

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Education and training are critical for credit unions to develop expertise in business lending. CU Business Group offers webinars and conferences to support small business loans and deposits, enhancing community engagement and portfolio growth.
• Targeting specific community markets for small business deposits and loans allows credit unions to serve effectively, avoiding overextension and building a sustainable commercial portfolio.
• Rising delinquency in commercial loans necessitates proactive management, as credit unions require expert assistance to address distressed credits early and maintain a healthier portfolio.

RESOURCE LINKS

Mark Ritter - Website

Mark Ritter - LinkedIn

Rachel Snyder - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY:

Rachel Snyder is a longtime member of CU Business Group and the organization's COO. After a career in corporate credit unions, Rachel leads the educational offering at CUBG and a wide variety of other functions. 

KEYWORDS: Credit Unions, Business Lending, CU Business Group, Education, Training, Small Business, Deposits, Community, Webinars, Conferences, Delinquency, Commercial Loans, Business Deposits, Business Loans, Portfolio Growth, Check Accounts, Savings Accounts

Join Mark at Credit Union Conversation today as we talk to Todd Stauffer, a seasoned relationship manager in the world of credit unions, about his career journey and insights on business lending and financial services. With years of experience working with credit unions and big banks, Todd shares his unique perspective on what drives success in the industry and how relationship managers can build strong business relationships. From discussing the differences between big banks and credit unions to sharing his favorite summer activities, Todd offers a wealth of knowledge and entertaining stories. Tune in for an engaging conversation that explores the world of credit unions and business lending.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro: Meet Todd Stauffer
• (01:34) Todd’s early career experience in finance
• (04:23) Todd discusses the impact of Wells Fargo shutting down its Financial division
• (06:37) Todd Stauffer’s experience working with South Carolina Federal Credit Union.
• (09:55) Working with big banks vs. credit unions
• (12:00) Working with credit unions allows access to decision-makers and a personalized approach to serving members
• (14:08) How to connect with Todd Stauffer and other credit union professionals at MBFS

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Credit union culture and values are distinct from big banks, with a focus on serving members and communities. Todd Stauffer shared his experience working with both big banks and credit unions, highlighting the differences in product management, decision-making, and community involvement.
• Emphasizing business lending expertise within credit unions, relationship managers like Todd play a key role in managing commercial portfolios, supporting local communities, and offering personalized service. This approach stands in contrast to the big bank experience, underlining the advantage credit unions offer in building direct connections and providing tailored loans and financial solutions.
• Community involvement is essential for credit unions to understand the needs of their members and provide effective solutions. Todd Stauffer's work with credit unions and his involvement in local communities highlight the importance of building relationships and trust with members and community leaders.

RESOURCE LINKS

Mark Ritter - Website

Mark Ritter - LinkedIn

Todd Stauffer - LinkedIn

KEYWORDS: Credit Union, MBFS, Todd, Stauffer, Lending, Business, Loans, Relationship, Manager, Credit Unions, Business Lending, Community Involvement, Financial Services, Member Service, Pittsburgh, Community, Members, Finance, Portfolio, Commercial

Want to learn how credit unions thrive through collaboration? Curious about leading a low-income designated institution? In this episode of Credit Union Conversations, host Mark Ritter sits down with Andy Jaeger, CEO of Credit Union of New Jersey, for an insightful 1-on-1 conversation. From his unexpected start in the credit union industry to driving financial wellness and youth engagement through initiatives like the Greenlight debit card, Jaeger shares his journey and vision. Discover strategies for succession planning, fostering emerging leaders, and supporting small credit unions to ensure a vibrant future for the industry.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro: meet Andy Jeager
• (02:55) Andy Jaeger shares his origin story into the credit union space
• (09:05) A low-income designated credit union with $475 million in assets, focusing on members 
• (15:02) Fostering credit union philosophy by indoctrinating new employees to maintain industry spirit
• (19:31) Succession planning strategies, training emerging leaders and identifying talent gaps
• (24:21) Small credit unions should collaborate and partner to overcome economic challenges 
• (29:16) Credit Union of New Jersey’s priorities: financial wellness, youth engagement via Greenlight debit card

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Collaboration is vital for the credit union industry's future. Andy Jaeger emphasizes partnerships, like those with business lending CUSOs, to help small credit unions deliver services cost-effectively while maintaining their identity.
• Succession planning is critical to sustain the credit union's philosophy. Jaeger advocates for identifying and training emerging leaders through regional programs and networking to preserve the industry's mission.
• Financial wellness and youth engagement are priorities for Credit Union of New Jersey. Initiatives like the Greenlight debit card aim to attract younger members and promote long-term member services and community impact.

RESOURCE LINKS

Mark Ritter - Website

Mark Ritter - LinkedIn

Credit Union of New Jersey - Website

Andy Jaeger - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY:

Andy is the longtime CEO of Credit Union of New Jersey. Andy is an accomplished credit union executive and is a former chair of the New Jersey Credit Union League.

KEYWORDS: Credit Union, Collaboration, Succession Planning, Member Services, Financial Wellness, Low Income, Community Impact, Youth Engagement, Greenlight Debit, Credit Union Philosophy, Board Training, Emerging Leaders, Small Credit Unions, Member Business Financial Services, Business Lending CUSO, Greenlight debit card