Ready for a lighthearted break from business as usual? In this episode of Credit Union Conversations, host Mark Ritter sits down with MBFS COO Jeff Lyons for a fun and casual chat about summer vacations, Lisbon and the Netherlands, favorite conference destinations, the pros and cons of swag giveaways, and how their childhood summers compare to today’s parenting. Whether you’re into golf, beach days, or just need a few laughs, this episode has something for everyone.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro: Meet MBFS COO Jeff Lyons
• (00:57) Mark recaps his Lisbon and the Netherlands vacation 
• (02:38) Conference season wrap-up in Orlando and reflection on their favorite destinations 
• (05:12) Discussion of the swag giveaways, determining they are ineffective marketing tools 
• (07:03) Discussion of summer plans, wildlife sightings, and childhood summer memories
• (11:14) Modern parenting, grandparenting, and past parenting norms

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Mark and Jeff reflect on their favorite (and least favorite) conference destinations, highlighting cities like New Orleans and Charleston for their food and culture, while expressing fatigue with places like Las Vegas and Destin in peak summer.
• Mark shares his distaste for promotional conference swag, calling it ineffective marketing, while Jeff admits he still enjoys collecting tchotchkes, though even he hasn’t seen anything new or innovative lately.
• The conversation shifts to summer plans, from golfing and beach weekends to hiking and fishing. The two also reminisce about their vastly different childhood experiences, especially the freedom kids once had to roam unsupervised—something nearly unimaginable today.

RESOURCE LINKS

Mark Ritter - Website

Mark Ritter - LinkedIn

Jeff Lyons - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY:

MBFS provides credit unions with all aspects of business lending services.