“We're going to deliver a blueprint for what we know works in our partnerships.” - Aaron Melnarik

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is Aaron Melnarik, Senior Vice President and Director of Client Relationships at Elan Credit Card. We explore his 23-year career, including how he’s helped credit unions deliver value through innovative credit card programs. Listen as we talk about credit union partnerships and how Elan Credit Card helps maximize credit union growth. 

During our conversation, Aaron discusses what it takes to build and maintain successful partnerships in today’s competitive financial landscape. He explains how Elan Credit Card supports credit unions at every stage of the partnership, from launching programs, providing ongoing training, and using technology like APIs to revamp mobile apps.

As we wrap up the episode, Aaron talks about his dad being the most influential leader in his life, golfing with his family, and his love of the Carolinas. Enjoy my conversation with Aaron Melnarik!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Connect with Aaron:
Aaron Melnarik, SVP and Director of Client Relationships at Elan Credit Card
www.cupartnership.com
Aaron: LinkedIn
Elan Credit Card: LinkedIn

“We spend our time educating credit unions about using SERPs to attract and retain the talent they need to remain competitive.” - Bernie Winne

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is Bernie Winne, Regional VP of Modern Capital Executive Solutions. Bernie shares candidly about his entry into credit unions, and the decades-long career that followed, spanning various roles including CEO of the Boston Firefighters Credit Union. Modern Capital works with credit unions to provide cost-effective benefits plans designed to attract and retain talented leaders.

During our conversation, Bernie discusses the core functions of Modern Capital, and how their investments can provide credit unions with better returns when used for executive compensation, charitable donations, and employee benefits. Bernie talks about the strategic importance of Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs) as a critical tool for attracting and retaining top executive talent. He explains how Modern Capital tailors its approach to meet credit unions where they are, whether they're already adept in their investment strategies or just beginning to explore them.

As we wrap up the episode, Bernie talks about a great leader he learned from, the one experience he loved spending money on each year, and his favorite city to visit. Enjoy my conversation with Bernie Winne!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Connect with Bernie:
Bernie Winne, Regional VP of Modern Capital Executive Solutions
moderncap.com
Bernie: LinkedIn
Modern Capital Executive Solutions: LinkedIn | Facebook

“Our goal is to help credit unions advance in their digital technology journey.” - Wes Zauner

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is Wes Zauner, VP of Product at MeridianLink. Wes shares his career journey that led him to his current role. Together, we discuss the evolving landscape of credit unions and the pressing need for digital progression. With solutions to grow deposits, enhance lending, streamline collections, and deliver data-driven personalized experiences, the MeridianLink team is helping credit unions operationalize digital transformation.

During our conversation, Wes and I discuss how credit unions can modernize their systems and embrace solutions that truly enhance the member experience. He believes digital transformation should be viewed as an ongoing journey and shares why MeridianLink views it as digital progression. Wes explains the concept of a digital blueprint, focusing on five key areas: process automation, member experience, share of wallet growth, data centricity, and instant decisioning. MeridianLink supports credit unions in identifying their goals and creating a digital blueprint for ongoing digital progression and growth.

As we wrap up the episode, Wes shares a leader who made a great impact in his life, a city he enjoys traveling to that is full of history, and how routines allow him to balance work life and his personal life. Enjoy my conversation with Wes Zauner

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Connect with Wes:
Wes Zauner, VP of Product at MeridianLink
meridianlink.com
Wes: LinkedIn
MeridianLink: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X

“Continue to drive impact and innovation for credit unions, to change lives.” - Chuck Long

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is Chuck Long, General Manager at Zogo. Chuck shares his career journey that led him to his current role. Zogo is transforming financial education with its innovative product suite, designed to empower communities and strengthen credit unions. Listen as Chuck and I explore the intersection of technology, education, and financial wellness in the credit union industry. 

During our conversation, Chuck explains how Zogo's gamified content and personalized learning pathways help members understand important financial concepts, making education accessible and engaging. He emphasizes the importance of digital innovation when it comes to retaining members and shares how credit unions are uniquely positioned to offer personalized service and community support. As we look to the future, Zogo continues to enhance its products to meet the needs of credit unions and their members, improving financial health and creating a lasting impact.

As we wrap up the episode, Chuck shouts out the amazing leaders at Zogo, where he enjoys traveling for work, and shares a book recommendation. Enjoy my conversation with Chuck Long!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Connect with Chuck:
Chuck Long, General Manager at Zogo
[email protected]
zogo.com
Chuck: LinkedIn
Zogo: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

“Innovation is a game changer.” - Mark Bugalski

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is Mark Bugalski, Executive VP and Chief Growth Officer at Allied Solutions. Mark brings over three decades of experience to the industry and shares his career journey that led him to his current role. Allied Solutions is focused on using technology-based solutions to help clients grow their bottom line, protect their business and members, and evolve to stay ahead of the competition.

During our conversation, Mark shares how Allied Solutions’ business model is designed to help credit unions grow and serve members, regardless of economic conditions. He explains how credit unions can navigate today's challenging economic landscape by focusing on mitigating risks and optimizing non-interest income. As we look to the future, Allied Solutions is focused on innovating to continue supporting credit unions and providing them with tools for growth and longevity. 

As we wrap up the episode, Mark shares the many reasons he admires Pete Hilger’s leadership, his love for a 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass, and his book recommendation. Enjoy my conversation with Mark Bugalski!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Connect with Mark:
Mark Bugalski, Executive VP and Chief Growth Officer at Allied Solutions
alliedsolutions.net
Mark: LinkedIn
Allied Solutions: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X

“As a national trade association, our role is to be on the frontline defending our credit unions so they can make members’ lives easier.” - Jason Stverak

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is Jason Stverak, Chief Advocacy Officer at the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC). Jason shares his career journey in politics that led him to his current role. DCUC is the premier resource for credit unions on all military and veteran matters. The team at DCUC provides trusted resources for active duty and veteran members while working on strategic and operational issues, and addressing regulatory and legislative matters. 

During our conversation, Jason shares his vision for reimagining the advocacy footprint. He discusses the upcoming launch of Defending Credit Unions PAC and National Advocacy Fund, aiming to optimize grassroots efforts on key advocacy initiatives while maintaining a strong influence. The team at DCUC advocates for members throughout their financial lifecycle, ensuring their needs are met. Listen as we discuss the vital role of DCUC as they provide an expert voice on issues affecting credit unions and their members, bringing the military perspective to national and state issues.

As we wrap up the episode, Jason shares some book recommendations, the city he enjoys traveling to, to experience different cuisines, and lifehacks for work-life balance.

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Connect with Jason:
Jason Stverak, Chief Advocacy Officer at Defense Credit Union Council
dcuc.org
Jason: LinkedIn
DCUC: LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

“Get curious about your organization and what your communities need.” - Pixie Gray

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is Pixie Gray, VP of Organizational Development at CUES. Pixie shares her career journey that led her to her current role. CUES provides leadership and professional development services to C-suite executives, board members, HR leaders, and emerging leaders in the credit union industry. The team at CUES is dedicated to the growth, development, and success of our movement.

During our conversation, Pixie explains how CUES stands out in the crowded market of leadership development by offering training that is tailored to the unique needs of credit unions. She highlights the importance of staying relevant in an ever-changing environment, discussing the need for fresh perspectives to ensure the continued success of credit unions. As we look to the future, CUES is focused on elevating its offerings to continue meeting and exceeding the needs of the industry.

As we wrap up the episode, Pixie talks about a credit union leader who left a lasting impact on her and the industry as a whole. She enjoys new and exciting dining experiences and shares tips to find balance in life. 

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Connect with Pixie:
Pixie Gray, VP of Organizational Development at CUES
[email protected]
cues.org
Pixie: LinkedIn
CUES: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X

“We help credit unions find solutions to their challenges.” - Barb Lowman

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guest on today’s show is Barb Lowman, President at CUNA Strategic Services (CSS). Barb is a return guest to the podcast and shares a brief overview of her previous episode. CSS connects credit unions and leagues to the industry's top solution providers. The team at CSS understands the issues credit unions face, finds solutions to solve those problems, and distributes those solutions to credit unions of all sizes.

During our conversation, Barb and I chat about the value CSS provides in connecting, collaborating, and providing solutions for the credit union system. She talks about CSS’ new webinar series, Safeguarding Your Credit Union’s Future, and shares how it was designed based on the needs and feedback of executives in the industry. Barb shares the passion and commitment of the CSS team to help credit unions thrive and better serve their members. As we look to the future, Barb shares their plan to rebrand and reimagine their strategy to continue serving the credit union industry.

As we wrap up the episode, Barb talks about an upcoming trip she is excited about, a book she recommends, and the importance of being intentional and spreading kindness.

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Connect with Barb:
Barb Lowman, President at CUNA Strategic Services
[email protected]
cunastrategicservices.com
Barb: LinkedIn
CSS: LinkedIn

“We’re focused on how we can impact, influence and support credit unions.”- Libby Calderone

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

My guests on today’s show are Libby Calderone, President & COO at Envisant and Tom Kane, President & CEO at Illinois Credit Union League. Libby and Tom share their career journeys that led them to their current roles. Envisant, a subsidiary of the Illinois Credit Union League, provides exceptional pricing and functionality in the card space by aggregating credit unions of diverse sizes. Envisant helps credit unions find solutions and achieve their vision through experience and expertise.

During our conversation, we discuss all that Envisant has achieved to earn CUSO Of The Year, awarded by NACUSO and what that means to Libby and Tom as we look to the future. Libby talks about Envisant’s partnership with Curql Collective, providing opportunity for credit unions with assets above $100 million to jointly invest in transformative technology to remain competitive and relevant. Tom announces an upcoming transition in leadership at the Illinois Credit Union League and Libby shares excitement in what’s to come. Listen as Libby and Tom talk about their dedication to the movement in helping credit unions grow, thrive, and prepare for the future.

As we wrap up the episode, Libby and Tom share great leaders in their life, what they are splurging on these days when it comes to travel and home renovations, along with how to balance work and home life. Enjoy my conversation with Libby and Tom!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Connect with Libby:
Libby Calderone, President & COO at Envisant
www.envisant.com
Libby: LinkedIn
Envisant: LinkedIn | Facebook | X 

Connect with Tom:
Tom Kane, President & CEO of Illinois Credit Union League
www.icul.com
Tom: LinkedIn
Illinois Credit Union League: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X

"My first real great leader was my grandmother. She had an eighth-grade education but built her own business and just had a really good business head on her shoulders. It was kind of a 'follow me' type leadership." - Brett Koedam

Thank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Lauren Culp, President & CEO of CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.

I am happy to be bringing this conversation with Brett Koedam to you for this episode. Brett is the Senior Vice President of Financial Institutions at PAI, a pivotal player in the ATM space. We explore Brett's journey from his beginnings in a small ATM company to overseeing PAI's extensive network spanning 110,000 ATMs nationwide!

Join us as we unpack how PAI supports credit unions by managing the complexities of ATM operations, freeing them to focus on member experiences. Brett highlights PAI's role in filling banking gaps left by branch closures, offering insights into things such as strategic ATM placement.

Tune in to discover why over 40% of Gen Zers choose institutions based on ATM availability and how credit unions can capitalize on this trend through PAI's extensive surcharge-free network and customizable branding solutions. Brett and I also discuss PAI's future roadmap, including exciting developments in ATM technology and their new mobile branch concept designed to revolutionize banking access in underserved areas!

Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.

Connect with Brett:
Brett Koedam; Senior Vice President of Financial Institutions at PAI - A Brink’s Company
gopai.com
Brett: LinkedIn
PAI: LinkedIn | Facebook

Show notes from this episode:
Book mentioned: The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko

In this episode:
[00:51] - Brett reveals how he founded and expanded his own ATM company, PAI, serving nationwide markets.
[02:34] - PAI specializes in outsourcing ATM management for credit unions, simplifying operations.
[04:53] - PAI also helps credit unions enhance services with strategic ATM placements nationwide.
[06:26] - We learn that PAI offers credit unions expanded ATM access without the hassle of location logistics.
[09:09] - Brett's grandmother, with minimal education, inspired him with entrepreneurial spirit and leadership.
[09:48] - Brett prioritizes family expenses over personal luxuries, dreaming of a non-Texas summer home someday.
[11:11] - Brett credits The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko as his favorite book.
[11:42] - Work-life integration was key during Brett's busy years running his own company.
[12:43] - Hear how PAI offers ATM products, managed services, and innovative solutions.