March 19, 2025 • 50 mins
Navigating the shifting mortgage landscape feels daunting, but it presents a treasure trove of opportunities for credit unions committed to serving their members. In our latest episode of the ONpoint Podcast, we had an insightful chat with Julie Bowering, Senior Vice President of Lending at A+ Federal Credit Union, as she shared her expertise on how credit unions can strategically position themselves for success in 2025. With discussions centered on establishing a robust mortgage division, understanding the criticality of GSE approvals, and enhancing member experiences, this episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in the credit union mortgage space.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
The views and opinions expressed in this
podcast do not necessarilyreflect the views or positions
of Acuma, its board of directors, its management staff or its
members.
The podcast discussionpresented is conversational in
nature and for generalinformation only.
Speaker 3 (00:27):
Hello and welcome back to the Zonpoint Podcast, a
series focused on sharing thestories of people who are making
a positive impact in the creditunion mortgage industry.
I'm your host, peter Benjamin.
Before we get to our episode,just a quick word from our
sponsor.
Speaker 5 (00:43):
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(01:06):
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Speaker 3 (01:16):
Today I am joined by Julie Bowring, senior Vice
President of Lending with A-plusFederal Credit Union.
Julie, how are you doing todaywith A-plus Federal?
Speaker 4 (01:24):
Credit Union, Julie.
How are you doing today, Peter?
I'm doing great, Living it upin Austin Texas.
Speaker 3 (01:30):
I'm going to talk about an upgrade, like I said
earlier, and pre-recording.
Nothing wrong with Indy, butIndy to Austin, I mean that's a
step up.
I mean no offense, but it's agood move.
None taken, solid, solid move.
But I'm excited for ourconversation.
(01:50):
I'm always excited for ourconversations with our guests,
but you're one of my favoritepeople across the country, so
I'm loving the fact that we wereable to pull you in Now.
You recently started somewhatrecently started at A+ and you
are trying to build out themortgage division there, and so
(02:13):
I think it's perfect timing forus to have a conversation about
that and the timing ofeverything that's happening in
our industry.
But before we get to that asalways got to pull Justin in
let's get that update oneverything happening over at
Acuma Pac.
What's going on?
(02:33):
How are you doing today?
I'm good.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Peter, how are you Living the dream?
Thank you for asking Always.
Come on, we can't start itwithout us living dreams.
Speaker 3 (02:43):
Right, I know right uh, today I'm actually living my
dream, so thank you very muchfor asking yeah, good, I'm glad
to hear it's your dream today.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
It's no one else's today, no one else.
They can't take it from you,that's right.
Uh, over here at acumen, though, we are one month actually,
we're less than a month.
We are less than a month awayfrom our first in-person event.
We're going to Pensacola,florida, for our Viewpoint
Regional Summit.
That's happening April 8th and9th and we get to have an
(03:21):
exclusive experience andnetworking reception at the Blue
Wahoos Wahoos minor leaguebaseball game.
So that'll be exciting.
I know we've talked about it.
We can't keep talking about it,but I mean until we get to see.
I don't know what a wazoo is,but I'm assuming it's a dolphin,
it's a fish.
Dolphins are fish, rightmammals fish.
Speaker 3 (03:39):
They swim in water.
I mean it's yes, they're both.
You have the mammal dolphin,but then you have the mahi mahi
that have the mammal dolphin,but then you have the Mahi Mahi.
That's also called dolphin.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
OK, so now you got too technical, Anyways we'll be
doing this.
This is why we do Jeopardy, bro,and this is why I lose the
Jeopardy.
So after that, we'll be headingto our focal point workshops,
which will be happening inSavannah, Georgia, May 6th and
7th.
June 3rd and 4th in Seattle,Washington.
If you haven't registered forthose, what are you waiting for?
(04:10):
There's plenty of time, sodon't wait.
Those are going to be two veryexciting locations.
If you got to hear the lastepisode, we were talking about
the culture of these places, andI truly mean that I'm super
excited to see the culture ofboth of these places.
And I truly mean that I'm superexcited to see the culture of
both of these locations.
And then also pay attention toyour emails, because in a very
(04:34):
few short weeks, you should getsomething from us on the make
your mark annual conference,which is happening September
21st to the 24th in Denver,Colorado.
So that's exciting.
And if you can't join us inperson, don't worry.
We have fast tracks, insidetrack webinar series.
We have our on point podcast,which is just amazing because
(04:54):
you know we got Peter leading itat the home.
He likes that.
He's not gonna lie, he's like,yes, he said it.
And then we also have all ofour networks going on as well.
So we have the youngprofessional network, the
marketing network, theunderwriting network and the
volume based network.
So be sure to check out theevents page on acumenorg for
(05:18):
more information.
Speaker 3 (05:19):
And the funny thing is is that you know, thinking
back what two years ago and justin our virtual team meeting one
day, I just came and say, hey,let's do a podcast.
And the look on everyone's facesaying you know what the heck
are you talking about.
We're not doing a podcast.
I'm like, yeah, we're totallygoing to do it.
It's going to be awesome.
We're amazing, it's going to bea people piece.
Speaker 2 (05:46):
I love that.
You think that was two yearsago in a virtual meeting, was it
?
It was like three years ago.
It was like two and a halfyears ago.
It was the first meeting I hadwith acuma.
I think I had been on board formaybe 48 hours.
Walk into a meeting and peter'slike let's do a podcast.
I was like yeah, okay, and herewe are, see 72 episodes later.
Time flies when you're havingfun.
(06:07):
Oh, always, that's right.
No, we wouldn't trade it in forthe world.
So that's awesome, hey look atall the awesome people we got to
talk to, I know, and now we getto talk to the awesome Miss
Julie.
That's right.
Speaker 3 (06:21):
Julie Bowery.
Speaking of which, let's pullher back in.
Yeah, all right, julie.
So, like I said earlier, you'reone of my actually one of my
all time favorite people in thecredit union industry, for
several different reasons.
I think you're genuinely anextremely kind and giving person
(06:41):
.
I think that you would honestlygo bend over backwards to help
anyone in this industry.
I've witnessed it, I'veexperienced it.
I think you embody everythingthat the Acme community is
supposed to be, and I thinkthat's one of the reasons why we
want to have you on thispodcast, because one of the
(07:04):
great things that you know, wetote and we say all the time
about our community and the Acmecommunity is that when you come
to our events, you know it'speople share, people want to
help, people ask how can I help?
And I think you embody thatRight.
And yes, for full disclosure,you're on our board and I'm not
(07:28):
just saying that because you'rea board member.
You know you were a member andyou and I had a long
conversation before you were onour board.
Yep, and I got to know youbefore you were on our board and
I think I'm the one who pushedyou to become a board member.
Maybe, maybe, maybe a littlebit.
Maybe a little bit, and I thinkthat's why I pushed you to
become a board member.
Yeah, but it's all true, and soI say all this right and so,
(07:53):
because I'm tying it back to yes, you're this amazing person, is
this generous person, thisamazing person is this generous
person, but you're also, youknow, this amazing mortgage
professional who who's you know,led very, very, very successful
teams, if I, if I remembercorrectly, prior to joining a
(08:14):
plus.
You were obviously in the inthe area, at elements, and, if I
remember correctly, you werelike the number you know prior
to you know rates really goingcrazy and shifting around.
You guys were like the numberone purchase originator in, like
the Indy Air, if I remembercorrectly.
Speaker 4 (08:35):
Right, yeah, definitely the top credit union,
peter.
I think there's just so muchopportunity, you know, for
credit unions out there toreally become the leader in
their market.
And, by the way, first of all,thank you for the kind words.
You are absolutely one of myfavorite people as well.
Just the work that you and theteam do to support the credit
(08:59):
union mortgage industry is soincredibly important.
Mortgage industry is soincredibly important, yes, and I
recently made a careeropportunity path change to
A-plus, an amazing organization.
I left an amazing organization,but I'm here in Austin, texas,
at A-plus and you know I've beenhere for about four months and
(09:22):
as I'm leading now commercial,consumer and mortgage and
residential lending, you know,one of the things that you know
we're really focused on istaking the mortgage program here
to the next level, right?
So when you reached out andwanted to do you know, this
podcast, I was like, oh, youknow, I'm always up for that.
Not only do I find joy andfulfillment in helping other
(09:47):
credit unions achieve success, Isometimes need to rely on our
Acuma network the Curans outthere for some tips and best
practices as well.
So thank you for having metoday.
Speaker 3 (09:58):
No, no, of course.
So before we kind of get intothat, the meat and potatoes of
today's conversation and I thinkyou know the importance and the
idea of driving growth intoday's market and the need for
credit unions to kind of laythat groundwork for expansion
now more than ever you know whyit's so important to really
(10:19):
double down now.
And before we get to that, Ikind of did this long preface to
this question, so pleaseforgive me for the long preface.
You know the Akmal Pointpodcast, people Peace.
You know people making apositive impact.
You're one of those key peoplethat make a positive impact
every single day.
So the question is it's alwaysthe number one question I ask
(10:43):
who is Julie Bowering?
You know, for those people whodon't know you and I'm sure
there's very few people, theremight be two people who don't
know you that are out there,maybe two, maybe two, maybe two.
But for those two people, whois Julie Bowering?
You know, you can take thispersonally.
(11:04):
You can take thisprofessionally, whatever it can
be a mix, whatever direction youwant to take this personally.
You can take thisprofessionally, whatever it can
be a mix, whatever direction youwant to take this.
If you had to summarize who youwere.
Who would that person be?
Speaker 4 (11:11):
That's a great question and I've actually been
asked that question a lotrecently.
As you know, I'm new here at A+, right.
So when I think about who I am,I think it comes down to values
, right.
So I recently had to share thiswith the team here.
And what do I believe in andwhat do I stand for and what
(11:32):
motivates me, right, most andforemost family.
So very family oriented.
My husband, dave, and I have ablended family and really take a
lot of pride and joy inwatching them grow and thrive,
and they were all very,extremely supportive, honestly,
of you know, this great careeropportunity to come to A-plus
(11:55):
and really make a mark and adifference here in the credit
union and for our members andour employees, right.
But you know I'm a financialservices professional.
I started in 1995 as apart-time drive-through teller
at night in college, so I workedmy way through college.
I have a degree in education,honestly, and I'm at an
(12:17):
education credit union.
So A-plus, federal Credit Unionby Foundation, is a teacher's
credit union here in the Austinarea.
So you know I thought, oh, I'llgo teach sometime, right,
graduated.
Now I'm really dating myself.
Ninety eight Went into themanagement training program at a
regional bank up in the FortWayne Indiana area where I
(12:41):
worked and got placed as abranch manager very quickly
where I was required to be amortgage loan originator more
than 75% of the time in thatrole as a branch manager and I
was terrified.
I was like I don't knowanything about mortgage
origination.
I shadowed in the mortgagedepartment for a couple of
months but got my love andpassion not only for mortgage
(13:03):
lending but just lending ingeneral, because we're really
providing solutions to membersand clients.
The time I was in a bank thatthey want to achieve
homeownership or they need thatcash out, refinance so
desperately to, you know,improve from a financial
wellness perspective, right.
I remember the first loan I did.
(13:24):
I worked hours on calculatingdebt to income and what we could
do to pay off obligations toput that family in a better
position.
I never forget those things andI've carried them with me
throughout my career.
But I tell you I am ultracommitted to the credit union
space.
I love serving members.
I love doing things in thespirit of member experience and
(13:46):
employee experience and employeeefficiency.
So I talk about that a lot.
That's a little bit about who Iam and you know I'm an ultra
positive person as well, socarry that with me throughout
everything that I do.
Speaker 3 (14:02):
No, I love that and thank you so much for walking us
through that.
All right, so you know,obviously, you know today's
conversation is really centeredaround the idea of you know,
really, how important it is forcredit unions to kind of start
laying that groundwork formortgage.
And I don't want to say nowmore than ever it's important
(14:23):
because you know.
And I don't want to say nowmore than ever, it's important
because you know, because reallyit's.
We've been beating that drumreally for the past three years
now more than ever, right, yes,but if you think about it, let's
kind of go back three years.
Mm hmm, here we are.
I hate the fact I'm looking atmy watch, but it's 2025.
(14:43):
Right, I know, seriously.
I hate the fact I'm looking atmy watch, but it's 2025, right,
I know, seriously.
It literally feels January.
Although it was the longestmonth ever, it honestly feels
like it was just Christmasyesterday.
But three years ago it was 2022, right, you know, we were.
(15:11):
You know, at this point in time, february, we saw decent rates
right yes.
And we were still in the youknow riding that high off the
refi boom right.
Yeah no-transcript heads cut off.
(15:50):
But yet we're finally at thatpoint where maybe maybe our
members and consumers in generalwill probably start settling
into the idea that, well, ratesaren't going to change, maybe we
(16:10):
should just go ahead and, youknow, get out of the 3% mortgage
and buy our next house.
Or, okay, well, maybe I shouldjust go buy my first time house,
my first home, because ratesaren't going to change, right,
right, yeah.
So we keep saying this You'rehere, you are a plus, actually
(16:32):
being forced to implement thegroundwork, lay the groundwork,
get GSE approval, so let's walkthrough this.
You know, how are you goingabout this.
How are you going to the boardand saying this is how, why we
need to invest in this?
How are you going about this?
How are you going to the boardand saying this is why we need
to invest in this?
What are you doing at A-plus tokind of get this ball moving?
Speaker 4 (16:51):
So that's a great question, peter.
First of all, we have anamazing foundation here and
we're poised to really take themortgage program and elevate it
here for our members and for thecredit union honestly.
So I think, when we're talkingtoday too, yes, I have the
opportunity to be in a differentenvironment, a different credit
(17:12):
union, and they're definitelyand we are definitely focused on
providing more solutions andoptions for our members.
But also, if you're a leaderout in a credit union and you've
been there for a minute, beenthere for a few years and you've
been kind of plugging away, Ihope you find value in the
conversation today in the factthat, number one, you need a
roadmap, right, like, what is itthat you want to achieve in the
(17:36):
next six months, 12 months, twoyears, three years?
Right, no matter what the rateenvironment is, we have an
amazing opportunity being at acredit union and having loyal
members.
There's so much power in thatright, there really is, and I
think that's why for me, like Ireally loved serving in a credit
(17:59):
union environment for the lastalmost 12 years right, sometimes
I'm like, oh, I wish I'd foundcredit unions.
Like, what was I thinking inthe regional bank or larger bank
environment?
Right, but I think it's.
What is it going to take toreally make sure we have all of
the options we need to serve ourmembers?
When it comes to making sure,you know we have all the
(18:20):
conforming products, right youknow?
Are we selling directly to theGSEs?
You know we have all theconforming products, right you
know, are we selling directly tothe GSEs?
You know it's not an easyprocess necessarily to get
approved with Fannie, right youknow?
Looking at that, though, I feellike I've talked to at least a
couple of credit unions a monththat have that desire, right.
So, you know, given that andthe ability to service loans in
(18:46):
the future, right, freeing upthe balance sheet to being able
to sell directly to Fannie,freddie, fhlb, retaining the
servicing for our members givesus the opportunities to continue
to cross, help them with otherproducts and services, as well
as build that servicingportfolio for revenue stream for
credit unions over time as well.
(19:06):
Right, I know sometimes wedon't talk about things like
that, but we want to be able togenerate revenue and income to
give back and invest in ourmembership, right?
Oh, absolutely.
Speaker 3 (19:17):
Yes, we're not for profit, right, but those are the
things that keep the lights onright, and we can't forget about
the amazing servicing incomethat we get, because it does
keep the lights on.
It also pays our salaries andstuff like that.
But yes, you are right, all theextra stuff, all the extra
income that we get fromservicing goes back to better
(19:39):
dividends for our members.
And why not take advantage ofthat type of servicing income?
Because it can be a significantamount of money and help
possibly offset the costs tooriginate a mortgage, which is
pushing $11,000.
Speaker 4 (19:55):
Yes, yes.
So looking at, you know,obtaining GSC approvals now and
it is possible for a creditunion out there to successfully
get approved with Fannie,freddie FHLB, you know, in the
last couple of years I beganworking with Federal Home Loan
Bank was able to obtain FreddieMac approval and Fannie Mae
(20:18):
approval.
When I was at Elements, right,the team was very focused on
that.
So you just have to make sure,first of all, look at what it
takes, and there are some greatconsultants out there that are
cost effective, that can helpprepare you for that journey,
right?
So, looking at that, looking atcorrespondent or investor
(20:42):
partners out there, right?
So one of the things I'm reallypassionate about, too, is
offering government lendingproducts.
Speaker 2 (20:49):
FHA.
Speaker 4 (20:50):
VA, usda have to have to right.
It has not been an easyeconomic environment for many of
our members over the lastcouple of years, right members
over the last couple of years,right.
Life happens and I'll tell youwhat like.
When I was an originator, I dida ton of FHA and VA lending and
(21:13):
I am a firm believer in we'vegot to have options, and as many
options as possible for ourmembers.
If you don't have theinfrastructure today to actually
be able to originate, processand close a loan in the name of
your credit union, there aremany great partners out there
that offer very competitiveinterest rates and will do a lot
of the heavy lifting.
Until it may be on your roadmapto invest in that
(21:37):
infrastructure, right, butthere's a lot of power in being
able to, you know, offer a lotof those programs that have more
flexible down payment terms,debt to income ratio, credit
challenges such as, you know,bankruptcy in the past.
Our members face it all andthey're looking to us right for
(21:58):
trusted financial advice and themore options we can have for
them, the better.
Speaker 3 (22:03):
It's a couple of things, right?
Yeah One, I'm going to do thesame shameless plug for Acme
because I kind of sort of haveto.
Of course, right, shamelessplug.
You know, members of Acme get adiscount at both GSEs on new
seller service numbers.
That's one shameless plug.
So Fannie Freddie members getdiscounts that's a shameless
(22:26):
plug.
So fanny freddy members getdiscounts, that's shameless.
But but, but too, kind of goingback to where I was right.
But it's the idea of if you'renot going to offer these
products, someone else will.
Right, and who would you rathertake care of this member, you
or the broker down the street?
because so right but let's,let's be honest.
(22:47):
I mean that broker down thestreet doesn't care about this
member, right?
And you know that large bank,you know whether it starts,
whether it has a wagon on itslogo or has that little you know
pinwheel looking thing that'sblue, you know, or has a slogan,
(23:09):
that has something, hassomething about a wallet in it.
You know they're not reallygoing to care about the member,
but if you really think about it, if you allow that member to go
to one of them, they're gone,absolutely gone.
So why would you allow that tohappen?
Speaker 4 (23:28):
Oh, you said it so perfectly.
Like I feel like Mike droppedPeter.
We need to keep talking becausethere's a lot more we want to
share, right Like it's soimportant to be able to retain
that member right, they'realready here and they're loyal
to us with their depositproducts.
You know there's there's so muchmore we can do for them.
(23:51):
And again, like Rome wasn'tbuilt in a day.
So these things take time andthey take investment.
And you know, I know a lot ofcredit unions are facing
challenges across the country.
But you know interest rate,risk, liquidity looking at those
things right, as a lot ofdeposits have flown up or have
(24:12):
flowed out of the just bankingsystem in general right.
So looking for ways to not haveto put as many loans on the
balance sheet and freeing themup on the secondary market is a
win.
In addition, if you are in aplace where you do have the
opportunity to put some loans onthe balance sheet as assets,
(24:37):
look for some of those nicheprograms out there.
Really evaluating the types ofproducts that you have that you
can offer.
Utilizing credit union fundsright.
Credit unions take deposits inand loan back out to our members
right.
So I would save those preciousdollars right now for adjustable
(24:57):
rate mortgage products right,I'll tell you what like there
are some fantastic programs outthere.
I'm a big believer in the fivefive arm.
I think that is one of the bestthings that a lot of credit
unions have done.
That is so much better thansome of the other adjustable
rate products out there.
And credit unions, you know,especially if they have lower
(25:18):
cost of funds, can really beaggressive with some really good
pricing to give back to themembers as well.
As you know thinking aboutputting those assets on the
balance sheet, right.
But I think you know it'sreally making sure that that
we're dialed in on what do weactually absolutely need to
retain and put on the balancesheet and let's make sure it's
(25:41):
their products that are designedto help our members that maybe
aren't necessarily able to sellon the secondary.
Speaker 3 (25:49):
Right.
But I mean you are a seasonedmortgage professional and you're
very knowledgeable.
You also think outside the boxand have the ability you know
when you play sports.
You kind of have that fullfield vision, right.
Speaker 4 (26:03):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (26:05):
And unfortunately, you know a lot of credit unions
and I don't want to talknegative about our industry, but
Unfortunately a lot of creditunions don't have that ability
to see the full field.
Speaker 5 (26:18):
Sure.
Speaker 3 (26:21):
And they only kind of sort of see how the individual
play is happening right in frontof them.
You know case in point.
You know let's go back to.
You know 2020, 2021, and thefirst quarter of 2022.
All those refinances, wherewere they going?
Speaker 4 (26:38):
Portfolio.
Speaker 3 (26:39):
Oh yeah, Right portfolio.
Speaker 4 (26:41):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 3 (26:44):
Right, that's why you know 2022 and 2023, we had so
much liquidity issues.
Speaker 4 (26:49):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (26:52):
Right.
You know laying that groundworkof you're right GSE approval.
You know partnering withaggregators, whether you know
it's you know a large IMB whohas, you know, the ability to
subservice for you or purchasethose loans.
Listen, there are some IMBs outthere who don't care about your
(27:14):
member, they really just don't.
Or it could be a CUSO Again,doesn't really care about your
member and that member willnever know that it's being
serviced by Accuso.
Speaker 4 (27:25):
Mm-hmm.
Speaker 3 (27:27):
But our ability to leverage them still allows you
to originate, get those loansoff your books, but you're also
expanding your productdevelopment, your product
offerings, right, and so I thinkthat's where we as an industry,
as a credit union industry,need to start looking at that
full field right.
And so I think that's where weas an industry, as a credit
union industry, need to startlooking at that full field right
(27:47):
and really start thinking abouthow do we really become better
mortgage originators and notjust sitting on our laurels
viewing mortgage as a necessaryevil.
Speaker 4 (28:06):
No, I would agree with you, and you know, just in
thinking about our chat today,right, I wrote down four things.
Number one people right.
Investing in our team that isserving our members right.
There's always somethingchanging in our industry when it
comes to guidelines, right.
(28:26):
Or just like making sure thatthey are in the best position
possible and as knowledgeable aspossible right, with all the
things.
Self-employed income right.
That is something that evenover the years, even sometimes
the most seasoned mortgageprofessionals still may struggle
with, those things right.
We have some great MI companiesout there that offer training
(28:47):
for free, right.
So, investing in people right,making sure that we're looking
at how they're doing their jobright From a process perspective
, what are those things that wecan evaluate from an efficiency
perspective?
And maybe, you know, get alittle clog out of the pipe, so
to speak, when moving alonethrough the process.
(29:09):
So people process, kind of thebasics we talked about products
and then technology right.
Like, I think sometimes it canbe easy to say, oh, we can't
make an investment in technology, it's so expensive, right, and
we can't make an investmenttechnology, it's so expensive,
right, and sure, sometimesthere's an investment there, but
when you think about the member.
(29:29):
We need to make sure it's africtionless process, right when
they go to apply.
But we are competing, peter,you said we are competing with
IMBs and banks, but most of thetime an IMB let's face it like
they dominate in a lot of waysin market share in general,
right, no matter where you'relocated at some heavy hitters
out there they invest intechnology, right.
(29:51):
So, you know, making sure that,first of all, another shameless
plug for Acuma, right.
But we have some great workshops.
We have annual.
We have podcasts.
We have some great workshops.
We have annual.
We have podcasts Like there'sso many ways to stay connected
and listen to and hear about allthe technology options that are
out there today.
And just when you think you'vegot your technology dialed in,
(30:12):
by the way, you need to keepevaluating because it's a
changing landscape, right.
But also connecting with, ifyou have the opportunity and
you're a part of a credit unionreal estate network, there's so
much power in that regionalnetwork as well.
So you know, I came fromIndiana and I was working with a
group of amazing people tostart a Karen.
Speaker 3 (30:35):
They just rolled it out.
They just rolled it out.
Speaker 4 (30:37):
I'm so excited, so excited for them.
But I'm also now excited tobecome part of the Texas Karen
Network.
I have a great mortgageleadership team here and we're
going to be getting involved inthe Texas Curen right.
So making sure that everyone'stapped into and dialed into
those events, not just forhearing about technology and
processes, but the networkingopportunities to share best
(30:59):
practices right In the spirit ofall of us being successful when
it comes to helping our membersand growth for the
organizations that we serve.
Speaker 3 (31:08):
Right and I agree with you.
Technology is key right.
But my concern with technologyis credit unions go out and get
the shiny object right and thatgoes out and hurts them more
than not having it.
You know.
(31:28):
Just because you know the shinyobject is out there and it's
it's, it's the best one, or I'mnot gonna say it's the best one,
I'm gonna strike that from therecord and, justin, you don't
need to delete that from therecording.
I wasn't going.
Speaker 2 (31:44):
You don't need to delete that from the recording I
wasn't going to, don't worry,all right, good, good, good.
Speaker 3 (31:51):
But just because it's out there doesn't mean you have
to go get it.
There's a lot of greattechnology providers that can do
the same exact thing for a moreaffordable price point.
Mainstay thing for a moreaffordable, affordable price
point.
That's probably better suitedfor your, your origination size,
your team size and you probablydon't need an admin to work it
(32:13):
right right, yeah and I thinkthat's a tough part with credit
unions is that we go out thereand we go and get the shiny
object because everyone else hasa shiny object and we ended up
shooting ourselves in the foot.
You know, and I agree, thattechnology is a huge thing that
we need, because you know, themortgage industry as a whole is
(32:35):
five steps behind otherindustries when it comes to
adopting technology.
You know, if you look athealthcare or what, well, behind
health care or other industrieswhen it comes to adopting
technology, but the creditunions are five steps behind
imbs yeah right.
Let's not hurt ourselves bytrying to catch up.
Speaker 2 (32:58):
Let's do it the right way so don't be the alien in
the claw machine, right, that'sall I keep thinking of.
When you're like this shinyobject, I'm like, oh it's, it's
that is so true, honestly, andsometimes you may be surprised.
Speaker 4 (33:21):
If you go on a journey of evaluating a piece of
technology depending on whetherit's a point of sale, los you
may be surprised to find what'sout there and there could be an
opportunity to even save alittle bit of money.
But I'm also a believer involume wins.
If we implement a new piece oftechnology again, not the
(33:42):
shiniest object, not the mostexpensive, because most
expensive doesn't mean bestright, but will that allow us to
capture more volume?
Will it allow us to not have ahigher abandoned rate on an
application Because I just can'tget through this piece of the
application online, right?
So think about to return oninvestment, right?
(34:07):
Even if I increase that pullthrough 25%, how many more loans
would you be able to close forthat member and continue to have
that loyalty and thatrelationship with that member
without the potential of losingit?
Right?
Yes, imbs are a big player.
So are the banks, sometimes tooright?
So, especially regional banksor community banks.
(34:29):
So you know we don't want to beat risk of, you know, if we
can't fulfill, you know, a loanor provide a solution to a
member for a loan.
Yeah, we don't, we do not, andI know we've said that a couple
of times, but we don't want torisk losing a member that's so
valued.
Speaker 3 (34:45):
I mean and I I agree wholeheartedly, but it's like
you know, I won't provide toomuch detail on this, but it's
like.
So last year I was travelingand I was I was visiting some
credit unions and I wasattending a local cure and event
and we we were kind ofdiscussing technology and you
(35:05):
know, a credit union spoke upand it was a small credit union
that has small mortgage division.
It was a three, three persondivision.
Yeah, okay, they had two loanofficers and one ops person who
processed and underwrote.
(35:26):
They went out and got an los.
That's the biggest los that'sout there that probably has.
That has the market share forall credit unions and I won't
name it.
Speaker 1 (35:42):
Sure.
Speaker 3 (35:43):
And my my first thought was at your origination
and your staff size.
Why are you getting that LOS?
You're only going to starthurting yourself.
Because you're going to focusso much time on managing that
LOS.
You're going to start losingmembers.
(36:04):
You're going to start losingmembers.
You're going to start losingvolume.
Those loan officers are goingto leave because you can't
administer that system anymore.
Your cost per loan is going togo up.
Why would you do this toyourself?
But, maybe it was a long game,maybe it was a ploy to recruit,
(36:27):
I don't know.
Um, I don't know and I don'tknow why.
I share that story, but I thinkit's a lesson learned.
But, yes, but I also tie itback to and, yes, we, yes, we
are competing with, you know,community banks.
Yes, we are competing with IMBs, but I think we need to do it
(36:50):
in a manner where we need tofocus on what's right for our
members, and what's right forour members is a system that's
going to allow us to maintainthat relationship with them, and
a system like that one, whichwe all know which one it is I'm
without naming names and in thatinstance, is not going to do it
(37:15):
yeah right, yeah and yeah.
We need to stay focused on thetask at hand and that's just a
maintaining our membersabsolutely.
Speaker 4 (37:28):
you know and I think about you know, in everything
that I do and decisions I make,I'm like I, you, I, you know I
don't make those decisionslightly and I always think about
the fact that when you make aninvestment in technology or
something like, it's our membersmoney, so it doesn't always
have to be the most expensive orlike the shiny subject like
we've talked about, and thenagain return like what do we
(37:49):
hope to gain out of it?
And then, yeah, making sure itdoesn't take so much work.
That also you, we startimpacting employee experience
and efficiency as well.
Speaker 3 (37:58):
okay, well, julie, we need to start transitioning,
but before we do um any finalthoughts.
You know again, the idea behindthis conversation was, you know
again, now more than ever, youknow 2025, 2026, we continue to
say this years of the creditunion.
(38:19):
We've been slowly capturingback market share away from the
banks, back from the IMBs.
How can we continue to do this?
How can we continue to lay thisgroundwork?
Any final thoughts?
Speaker 4 (38:33):
Yeah.
So that is a great question.
It's something I think about alot and have over the last
couple of years, and I knowseveral of my peers across the
country have done the same thing.
It's just constant evaluationright now of what we can do to
be the provider of loansolutions that our members need,
(38:55):
right.
So while we Peter, we've talkeda lot today about regular
traditional mortgage mortgageproducts, I think a lot about
home equity, right, the lastcouple of years there's been
trillions of dollars.
I've heard it at Acumaworkshops right, we've had
speakers talk about the factthat across the country there's
(39:17):
trillions of dollars.
I've heard it at Acumaworkshops right, we've had
speakers talk about the factthat across the country there's
trillions of dollars in untappedequity out there, right.
So we can't forget that, likeright now too, while we are
working on our roadmap andmaking the investments and
people process, products andtechnology.
Also, we've got some veryviable solutions right now that
(39:38):
sure IMBs they can partner witha credit union or a community
bank or Freddie offers someseconds and things like that
right to take advantage of.
But wow, credit unions reallyhave some amazing opportunity
when it comes to home equityproducts and helping our members
right now from a financialwellness perspective, because
that also creates a refinancepipeline of the future.
(39:59):
But I would also say, whilewe're focused on that, purchase,
purchase, purchase.
Helping people achieve homeownership, helping people get to
that dream home, their foreverhome or whatever.
Right, even though we're in theinterest rate environment we're
in, there's still incredibleopportunity out there and I'll
share this personal story withyou.
(40:20):
My bonus daughter, peyton,graduated from college last year
.
Thanksgiving tells her dad shehas a surprise for us, right,
I'm like new car, new boyfriend.
I don't know.
I was going through the gamut,right?
Well, she drove up in her oldcar.
That's not it.
I was going through the gamut,right?
Well, she drove up in her oldcar, that's not it.
She was like hey, I bought ahouse.
We were like what, what do youmean?
You bought a house and I waslike why didn't you talk to me
first?
She was like, julie, I wantedto do it on my own.
(40:42):
She was like but I need helpwith my interest rate.
But, julie, I went to creditunion because I've always banked
at right and my realtorreferred me to the credit union
as well.
She goes, but I wanted to do iton my own and she goes.
(41:05):
Honestly, I was throwing moneyaway in rent the last couple of
years and she was like mypayment is actually just a
little bit less than rent, right?
A lot of our members those firsttime home buyer potential
opportunities right Like theyneed our help with that.
So when I think about that andthe opportunity we have, like
(41:26):
just continue to evaluate whereyou're at, where you wanna be
and what it's gonna take to getthere, but never lose sight of
the fact that we're here toserve our members and there's
those Peyton Bowerings out thereright that are ready to buy.
You know, have that 5% downpayment.
Just need help to figure outthe path.
But proud of her that she didit on her own and then she got
(41:47):
an amazing interest rate becauseshe went to her credit union.
Speaker 3 (41:49):
That's right.
I love that you called her abonus daughter.
Speaker 2 (41:53):
I love that you called her bonus daughter.
I love that you put banked inair quotes to find out how to
become.
We need to figure out a waythat people can go and say, oh,
I credit union at my creditunion.
It's like, it's like.
You know, it's the same thingfor Google and search.
Right, I Googled it.
No, you searched it.
You use Google to do it, right,it's the same thing.
(42:15):
We got to get people on boardwith a credit union and see if
we can make that a thing.
Speaker 4 (42:21):
Justin, you are so right I think about.
There's a highway going northof Indianapolis up towards the
South Bend area that I used totravel a lot, right, and there
was this big billboard promotinga credit union in Kokomo.
It's like bank is a four-letterword, right, come to our credit
(42:42):
union.
And I know I I do cringe or airquote when I say bank.
But yes, we need a better termfor that, but until there is,
we'll continue to air quote thatI guess there you go yeah I
mean, we've already uh, coined,memorized, so maybe we might as
well.
Speaker 3 (42:53):
So maybe we might as well credit union, credit union.
Speaker 4 (42:56):
I credit union there memberize.
Speaker 3 (43:00):
We make someone a member.
That's right, alright.
Well, last question, before wetransition to the second segment
.
This is just like the firstquestion, which was who is Julie
Bowery?
Last question is the same exactquestion I ask everybody, and
again it goes back to the ideaof this is a people piece.
(43:21):
You know, we want to focus onwho you are individually.
The last question really iswhat keeps you going?
What motivates you?
You're just like everyone else,one foot out of bed Start the
day.
What keeps you driving to besuccessful?
Speaker 4 (43:40):
That's a great question.
I was just chatting with ouramazing CEO here yesterday at
A-plus right About the fact thatI'm like there's so much
opportunity in the credit unionspace in the credit union space
and like, with my newopportunity here at A-plus Again
, we have an amazing team hereof over 500 employees, 17
(44:08):
branches right, a very loyalmember base, and when I think
about, you know, the opportunityto give back to members more
and make an impact on employeeexperience and efficiency here,
I couldn't be happier to be in arole serving, you know, in a
credit union and even at anexecutive team level.
I don't take thatresponsibility lightly at all
(44:29):
and I am very excited to wake upevery day and think about what
can I do today to make adifference in the lives of our
members and our employees.
Speaker 3 (44:39):
Love it, absolutely love it.
Ok, thank you very much.
Well, julie, it's now time totransition to the second segment
of our podcast, and, again,this is where we sometimes do
Jeopardy trivia.
But today we're going to do themost requested segment of dad
jokes.
Prior to the recording, I askedyou to come prepared with two
(45:00):
to three dad jokes, and you werekind enough to come prepared
with three dad jokes.
I love the fact that you werean overachiever and came
prepared with three.
No one ever comes prepared withthree anymore.
Everyone always comes preparedwith two, because they were like
I'm not going to do three, butyou came prepared with three, so
we're going to do three.
So the way it's going to work,julie, you're going to do three,
(45:22):
justin's going to do three andI'll do three, and then we'll
wrap up.
Sound good?
Okay, perfect, go for it.
Speaker 4 (45:31):
So, with my relocation Indiana, born and
raised to Austin in the lastcouple of months I was like I
have to find a dad joke onAustin, right, what's a good one
?
So here's my first one why didthe Austinite bring a ladder to
the bar?
(45:51):
Why, they heard drinks were onthe house?
As you know, austin has a greatlike.
Uh, I don't ever seenrestaurants, all the things.
So I thought, okay, of course,that's one of the first things I
find right that was good thatwas good okay, then I tried to
(46:12):
find on housing mortgage alongthose lines.
Right, why did the gardener takeout a mortgage?
Why, why, because he wanted toplant his roots.
Can you hear me?
Speaker 2 (46:28):
don't worry we we'll have Too bad.
Speaker 4 (46:32):
they can't see me my air drumsticks, or whatever
those are.
Yes, okay, last one, I'm surethat's in, peter, yours will be
better.
Speaker 3 (46:50):
No, these are great.
I'm going to fail this time, nono, no.
Speaker 4 (46:55):
I've listened to your podcast.
Some great dad jokes both aregreat.
No, I'm going to fail this time.
No, no, no.
I've listened to your podcast,like some great dad jokes both
of you but I found this one on arealtor site how do you warm up
a room after it's been painted?
Speaker 3 (47:08):
How.
Speaker 4 (47:10):
Give it a second coat .
Speaker 3 (47:14):
That's funny, I hope so.
I was thinking about it thefirst time.
I was like, oh yeah, that'sgood.
Speaker 2 (47:25):
The sad truth is I went very literal and I was
thinking of a heater.
How?
Speaker 4 (47:30):
do you?
Speaker 3 (47:30):
warm up a heater.
Speaker 2 (47:31):
I was like I have no idea, that's good All right Hawk
.
Speaker 3 (47:33):
Go for good, all right Hawk.
Speaker 2 (47:36):
Go for it, all right.
What did the bison say to hisson when he left the ranch?
What, bison, bison.
Speaker 3 (47:49):
I knew that one.
Speaker 4 (47:51):
Oh, it sounded familiar to Mike.
Did you pick a Texas theme here?
Oh, no, but.
Speaker 2 (47:54):
I had to pick one, that you pick a Texas theme here
, no, but I had to pick one thatwas going to annoy Peter just a
little bit, and I felt likethat was the one that was going
to do it.
Okay, it did annoy you a little, right, it did.
So?
Peter loves dad jokes, and sowhat's the best way to save your
dad jokes?
(48:14):
Oh, in a database, all right,last one what do you call a
sheep who can sing and dance?
What, lady Baba?
Speaker 3 (48:46):
All right, what, lady baba?
All right, I'll wrap up.
First, one was the best, it wasgood.
It was good.
Uh, what do you call an oldsnowman water?
The class of water.
There you go, thanks.
Thanks for doing my joke.
Good one A glass of water.
I just found out the other daythat my new electric toothbrush
is not waterproof.
I was shocked.
Speaker 2 (49:06):
That's a good one.
Speaker 5 (49:12):
All right.
Speaker 3 (49:12):
Last one you know a lot of women complain that their
husbands never listen to them.
I am proud to say I've neverheard my wife say that I'm gonna
take that one home to myhusband you'll agree.
Speaker 2 (49:31):
oh yeah, I think we'll all agree with our wives.
That's right, that's right.
Speaker 3 (49:37):
Well, that wraps up this episode's dad joke.
Julie, thank you so much fortaking time out of your busy
schedule to sit down with us.
Really do appreciate everythingyou do for the Credit Union
movement, but also our membersand ACUMA Really enjoyed our
conversation.
Thank you.
Speaker 4 (49:52):
Thank you, honored to be here.
Had a lot of fun, as always.
Appreciate the work you all doto support us out here in the
credit union mortgage space.
Speaker 3 (50:01):
Awesome.
Thank you, justin.
Thank you, of course, it was mypleasure.
And, to close out, thank youagain to Polygon Research for
sponsoring today's episode andto all of you.
We know your time is valuable.
Thank you for tuning in to thelatest episode of Acuma's On
Point Podcast.
We hope you enjoyed it.
Until next time, be well, myfriends.
Speaker 1 (50:21):
Thanks for listening.
We'll see you next time at theAcuma On Point Podcast.
If not already, be sure tosubscribe and give us a
five-star rating.
For more great episodes andinformation, visit us online at
acumaorg, and to get the latestupdates, head over to our
LinkedIn page.
The views and opinions expressed in this
podcast do not necessarilyreflect the views or positions
of Acuma, its board of directors, its management staff or its
members.
The podcast discussionpresented is conversational in
nature and for generalinformation only.
Speaker 3 (00:27):
Hello and welcome back to the Zonpoint Podcast, a
series focused on sharing thestories of people who are making
a positive impact in the creditunion mortgage industry.
I'm your host, peter Benjamin.
Before we get to our episode,just a quick word from our
sponsor.
Speaker 5 (00:43):
This episode is sponsored by Polygon Research.
As the annual HMDA data releaseapproaches, there's no better
time to prepare.
With their flagship tool,HMDAvision, Polygon Research
shows you where you areoutflanking your peers and where
you still have work to do.
Their superpower is microdata.
While others offer summaries,Polygon Research shows you the
(01:06):
details Every loan in everymarket.
Learn more atPolygonResearchcom.
Speaker 3 (01:16):
Today I am joined by Julie Bowring, senior Vice
President of Lending with A-plusFederal Credit Union.
Julie, how are you doing todaywith A-plus Federal?
Speaker 4 (01:24):
Credit Union, Julie.
How are you doing today, Peter?
I'm doing great, Living it upin Austin Texas.
Speaker 3 (01:30):
I'm going to talk about an upgrade, like I said
earlier, and pre-recording.
Nothing wrong with Indy, butIndy to Austin, I mean that's a
step up.
I mean no offense, but it's agood move.
None taken, solid, solid move.
But I'm excited for ourconversation.
(01:50):
I'm always excited for ourconversations with our guests,
but you're one of my favoritepeople across the country, so
I'm loving the fact that we wereable to pull you in Now.
You recently started somewhatrecently started at A+ and you
are trying to build out themortgage division there, and so
(02:13):
I think it's perfect timing forus to have a conversation about
that and the timing ofeverything that's happening in
our industry.
But before we get to that asalways got to pull Justin in
let's get that update oneverything happening over at
Acuma Pac.
What's going on?
(02:33):
How are you doing today?
I'm good.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Peter, how are you Living the dream?
Thank you for asking Always.
Come on, we can't start itwithout us living dreams.
Speaker 3 (02:43):
Right, I know right uh, today I'm actually living my
dream, so thank you very muchfor asking yeah, good, I'm glad
to hear it's your dream today.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
It's no one else's today, no one else.
They can't take it from you,that's right.
Uh, over here at acumen, though, we are one month actually,
we're less than a month.
We are less than a month awayfrom our first in-person event.
We're going to Pensacola,florida, for our Viewpoint
Regional Summit.
That's happening April 8th and9th and we get to have an
(03:21):
exclusive experience andnetworking reception at the Blue
Wahoos Wahoos minor leaguebaseball game.
So that'll be exciting.
I know we've talked about it.
We can't keep talking about it,but I mean until we get to see.
I don't know what a wazoo is,but I'm assuming it's a dolphin,
it's a fish.
Dolphins are fish, rightmammals fish.
Speaker 3 (03:39):
They swim in water.
I mean it's yes, they're both.
You have the mammal dolphin,but then you have the mahi mahi
that have the mammal dolphin,but then you have the Mahi Mahi.
That's also called dolphin.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
OK, so now you got too technical, Anyways we'll be
doing this.
This is why we do Jeopardy, bro,and this is why I lose the
Jeopardy.
So after that, we'll be headingto our focal point workshops,
which will be happening inSavannah, Georgia, May 6th and
7th.
June 3rd and 4th in Seattle,Washington.
If you haven't registered forthose, what are you waiting for?
(04:10):
There's plenty of time, sodon't wait.
Those are going to be two veryexciting locations.
If you got to hear the lastepisode, we were talking about
the culture of these places, andI truly mean that I'm super
excited to see the culture ofboth of these places.
And I truly mean that I'm superexcited to see the culture of
both of these locations.
And then also pay attention toyour emails, because in a very
(04:34):
few short weeks, you should getsomething from us on the make
your mark annual conference,which is happening September
21st to the 24th in Denver,Colorado.
So that's exciting.
And if you can't join us inperson, don't worry.
We have fast tracks, insidetrack webinar series.
We have our on point podcast,which is just amazing because
(04:54):
you know we got Peter leading itat the home.
He likes that.
He's not gonna lie, he's like,yes, he said it.
And then we also have all ofour networks going on as well.
So we have the youngprofessional network, the
marketing network, theunderwriting network and the
volume based network.
So be sure to check out theevents page on acumenorg for
(05:18):
more information.
Speaker 3 (05:19):
And the funny thing is is that you know, thinking
back what two years ago and justin our virtual team meeting one
day, I just came and say, hey,let's do a podcast.
And the look on everyone's facesaying you know what the heck
are you talking about.
We're not doing a podcast.
I'm like, yeah, we're totallygoing to do it.
It's going to be awesome.
We're amazing, it's going to bea people piece.
Speaker 2 (05:46):
I love that.
You think that was two yearsago in a virtual meeting, was it
?
It was like three years ago.
It was like two and a halfyears ago.
It was the first meeting I hadwith acuma.
I think I had been on board formaybe 48 hours.
Walk into a meeting and peter'slike let's do a podcast.
I was like yeah, okay, and herewe are, see 72 episodes later.
Time flies when you're havingfun.
(06:07):
Oh, always, that's right.
No, we wouldn't trade it in forthe world.
So that's awesome, hey look atall the awesome people we got to
talk to, I know, and now we getto talk to the awesome Miss
Julie.
That's right.
Speaker 3 (06:21):
Julie Bowery.
Speaking of which, let's pullher back in.
Yeah, all right, julie.
So, like I said earlier, you'reone of my actually one of my
all time favorite people in thecredit union industry, for
several different reasons.
I think you're genuinely anextremely kind and giving person
(06:41):
.
I think that you would honestlygo bend over backwards to help
anyone in this industry.
I've witnessed it, I'veexperienced it.
I think you embody everythingthat the Acme community is
supposed to be, and I thinkthat's one of the reasons why we
want to have you on thispodcast, because one of the
(07:04):
great things that you know, wetote and we say all the time
about our community and the Acmecommunity is that when you come
to our events, you know it'speople share, people want to
help, people ask how can I help?
And I think you embody thatRight.
And yes, for full disclosure,you're on our board and I'm not
(07:28):
just saying that because you'rea board member.
You know you were a member andyou and I had a long
conversation before you were onour board.
Yep, and I got to know youbefore you were on our board and
I think I'm the one who pushedyou to become a board member.
Maybe, maybe, maybe a littlebit.
Maybe a little bit, and I thinkthat's why I pushed you to
become a board member.
Yeah, but it's all true, and soI say all this right and so,
(07:53):
because I'm tying it back to yes, you're this amazing person, is
this generous person, thisamazing person is this generous
person, but you're also, youknow, this amazing mortgage
professional who who's you know,led very, very, very successful
teams, if I, if I remembercorrectly, prior to joining a
(08:14):
plus.
You were obviously in the inthe area, at elements, and, if I
remember correctly, you werelike the number you know prior
to you know rates really goingcrazy and shifting around.
You guys were like the numberone purchase originator in, like
the Indy Air, if I remembercorrectly.
Speaker 4 (08:35):
Right, yeah, definitely the top credit union,
peter.
I think there's just so muchopportunity, you know, for
credit unions out there toreally become the leader in
their market.
And, by the way, first of all,thank you for the kind words.
You are absolutely one of myfavorite people as well.
Just the work that you and theteam do to support the credit
(08:59):
union mortgage industry is soincredibly important.
Mortgage industry is soincredibly important, yes, and I
recently made a careeropportunity path change to
A-plus, an amazing organization.
I left an amazing organization,but I'm here in Austin, texas,
at A-plus and you know I've beenhere for about four months and
(09:22):
as I'm leading now commercial,consumer and mortgage and
residential lending, you know,one of the things that you know
we're really focused on istaking the mortgage program here
to the next level, right?
So when you reached out andwanted to do you know, this
podcast, I was like, oh, youknow, I'm always up for that.
Not only do I find joy andfulfillment in helping other
(09:47):
credit unions achieve success, Isometimes need to rely on our
Acuma network the Curans outthere for some tips and best
practices as well.
So thank you for having metoday.
Speaker 3 (09:58):
No, no, of course.
So before we kind of get intothat, the meat and potatoes of
today's conversation and I thinkyou know the importance and the
idea of driving growth intoday's market and the need for
credit unions to kind of laythat groundwork for expansion
now more than ever you know whyit's so important to really
(10:19):
double down now.
And before we get to that, Ikind of did this long preface to
this question, so pleaseforgive me for the long preface.
You know the Akmal Pointpodcast, people Peace.
You know people making apositive impact.
You're one of those key peoplethat make a positive impact
every single day.
So the question is it's alwaysthe number one question I ask
(10:43):
who is Julie Bowering?
You know, for those people whodon't know you and I'm sure
there's very few people, theremight be two people who don't
know you that are out there,maybe two, maybe two, maybe two.
But for those two people, whois Julie Bowering?
You know, you can take thispersonally.
(11:04):
You can take thisprofessionally, whatever it can
be a mix, whatever direction youwant to take this personally.
You can take thisprofessionally, whatever it can
be a mix, whatever direction youwant to take this.
If you had to summarize who youwere.
Who would that person be?
Speaker 4 (11:11):
That's a great question and I've actually been
asked that question a lotrecently.
As you know, I'm new here at A+, right.
So when I think about who I am,I think it comes down to values
, right.
So I recently had to share thiswith the team here.
And what do I believe in andwhat do I stand for and what
(11:32):
motivates me, right, most andforemost family.
So very family oriented.
My husband, dave, and I have ablended family and really take a
lot of pride and joy inwatching them grow and thrive,
and they were all very,extremely supportive, honestly,
of you know, this great careeropportunity to come to A-plus
(11:55):
and really make a mark and adifference here in the credit
union and for our members andour employees, right.
But you know I'm a financialservices professional.
I started in 1995 as apart-time drive-through teller
at night in college, so I workedmy way through college.
I have a degree in education,honestly, and I'm at an
(12:17):
education credit union.
So A-plus, federal Credit Unionby Foundation, is a teacher's
credit union here in the Austinarea.
So you know I thought, oh, I'llgo teach sometime, right,
graduated.
Now I'm really dating myself.
Ninety eight Went into themanagement training program at a
regional bank up in the FortWayne Indiana area where I
(12:41):
worked and got placed as abranch manager very quickly
where I was required to be amortgage loan originator more
than 75% of the time in thatrole as a branch manager and I
was terrified.
I was like I don't knowanything about mortgage
origination.
I shadowed in the mortgagedepartment for a couple of
months but got my love andpassion not only for mortgage
(13:03):
lending but just lending ingeneral, because we're really
providing solutions to membersand clients.
The time I was in a bank thatthey want to achieve
homeownership or they need thatcash out, refinance so
desperately to, you know,improve from a financial
wellness perspective, right.
I remember the first loan I did.
(13:24):
I worked hours on calculatingdebt to income and what we could
do to pay off obligations toput that family in a better
position.
I never forget those things andI've carried them with me
throughout my career.
But I tell you I am ultracommitted to the credit union
space.
I love serving members.
I love doing things in thespirit of member experience and
(13:46):
employee experience and employeeefficiency.
So I talk about that a lot.
That's a little bit about who Iam and you know I'm an ultra
positive person as well, socarry that with me throughout
everything that I do.
Speaker 3 (14:02):
No, I love that and thank you so much for walking us
through that.
All right, so you know,obviously, you know today's
conversation is really centeredaround the idea of you know,
really, how important it is forcredit unions to kind of start
laying that groundwork formortgage.
And I don't want to say nowmore than ever it's important
(14:23):
because you know.
And I don't want to say nowmore than ever, it's important
because you know, because reallyit's.
We've been beating that drumreally for the past three years
now more than ever, right, yes,but if you think about it, let's
kind of go back three years.
Mm hmm, here we are.
I hate the fact I'm looking atmy watch, but it's 2025.
(14:43):
Right, I know, seriously.
I hate the fact I'm looking atmy watch, but it's 2025, right,
I know, seriously.
It literally feels January.
Although it was the longestmonth ever, it honestly feels
like it was just Christmasyesterday.
But three years ago it was 2022, right, you know, we were.
(15:11):
You know, at this point in time, february, we saw decent rates
right yes.
And we were still in the youknow riding that high off the
refi boom right.
Yeah no-transcript heads cut off.
(15:50):
But yet we're finally at thatpoint where maybe maybe our
members and consumers in generalwill probably start settling
into the idea that, well, ratesaren't going to change, maybe we
(16:10):
should just go ahead and, youknow, get out of the 3% mortgage
and buy our next house.
Or, okay, well, maybe I shouldjust go buy my first time house,
my first home, because ratesaren't going to change, right,
right, yeah.
So we keep saying this You'rehere, you are a plus, actually
(16:32):
being forced to implement thegroundwork, lay the groundwork,
get GSE approval, so let's walkthrough this.
You know, how are you goingabout this.
How are you going to the boardand saying this is how, why we
need to invest in this?
How are you going about this?
How are you going to the boardand saying this is why we need
to invest in this?
What are you doing at A-plus tokind of get this ball moving?
Speaker 4 (16:51):
So that's a great question, peter.
First of all, we have anamazing foundation here and
we're poised to really take themortgage program and elevate it
here for our members and for thecredit union honestly.
So I think, when we're talkingtoday too, yes, I have the
opportunity to be in a differentenvironment, a different credit
(17:12):
union, and they're definitelyand we are definitely focused on
providing more solutions andoptions for our members.
But also, if you're a leaderout in a credit union and you've
been there for a minute, beenthere for a few years and you've
been kind of plugging away, Ihope you find value in the
conversation today in the factthat, number one, you need a
roadmap, right, like, what is itthat you want to achieve in the
(17:36):
next six months, 12 months, twoyears, three years?
Right, no matter what the rateenvironment is, we have an
amazing opportunity being at acredit union and having loyal
members.
There's so much power in thatright, there really is, and I
think that's why for me, like Ireally loved serving in a credit
(17:59):
union environment for the lastalmost 12 years right, sometimes
I'm like, oh, I wish I'd foundcredit unions.
Like, what was I thinking inthe regional bank or larger bank
environment?
Right, but I think it's.
What is it going to take toreally make sure we have all of
the options we need to serve ourmembers?
When it comes to making sure,you know we have all the
(18:20):
conforming products, right youknow?
Are we selling directly to theGSEs?
You know we have all theconforming products, right you
know, are we selling directly tothe GSEs?
You know it's not an easyprocess necessarily to get
approved with Fannie, right youknow?
Looking at that, though, I feellike I've talked to at least a
couple of credit unions a monththat have that desire, right.
So, you know, given that andthe ability to service loans in
(18:46):
the future, right, freeing upthe balance sheet to being able
to sell directly to Fannie,freddie, fhlb, retaining the
servicing for our members givesus the opportunities to continue
to cross, help them with otherproducts and services, as well
as build that servicingportfolio for revenue stream for
credit unions over time as well.
(19:06):
Right, I know sometimes wedon't talk about things like
that, but we want to be able togenerate revenue and income to
give back and invest in ourmembership, right?
Oh, absolutely.
Speaker 3 (19:17):
Yes, we're not for profit, right, but those are the
things that keep the lights onright, and we can't forget about
the amazing servicing incomethat we get, because it does
keep the lights on.
It also pays our salaries andstuff like that.
But yes, you are right, all theextra stuff, all the extra
income that we get fromservicing goes back to better
(19:39):
dividends for our members.
And why not take advantage ofthat type of servicing income?
Because it can be a significantamount of money and help
possibly offset the costs tooriginate a mortgage, which is
pushing $11,000.
Speaker 4 (19:55):
Yes, yes.
So looking at, you know,obtaining GSC approvals now and
it is possible for a creditunion out there to successfully
get approved with Fannie,freddie FHLB, you know, in the
last couple of years I beganworking with Federal Home Loan
Bank was able to obtain FreddieMac approval and Fannie Mae
(20:18):
approval.
When I was at Elements, right,the team was very focused on
that.
So you just have to make sure,first of all, look at what it
takes, and there are some greatconsultants out there that are
cost effective, that can helpprepare you for that journey,
right?
So, looking at that, looking atcorrespondent or investor
(20:42):
partners out there, right?
So one of the things I'm reallypassionate about, too, is
offering government lendingproducts.
Speaker 2 (20:49):
FHA.
Speaker 4 (20:50):
VA, usda have to have to right.
It has not been an easyeconomic environment for many of
our members over the lastcouple of years, right members
over the last couple of years,right.
Life happens and I'll tell youwhat like.
When I was an originator, I dida ton of FHA and VA lending and
(21:13):
I am a firm believer in we'vegot to have options, and as many
options as possible for ourmembers.
If you don't have theinfrastructure today to actually
be able to originate, processand close a loan in the name of
your credit union, there aremany great partners out there
that offer very competitiveinterest rates and will do a lot
of the heavy lifting.
Until it may be on your roadmapto invest in that
(21:37):
infrastructure, right, butthere's a lot of power in being
able to, you know, offer a lotof those programs that have more
flexible down payment terms,debt to income ratio, credit
challenges such as, you know,bankruptcy in the past.
Our members face it all andthey're looking to us right for
(21:58):
trusted financial advice and themore options we can have for
them, the better.
Speaker 3 (22:03):
It's a couple of things, right?
Yeah One, I'm going to do thesame shameless plug for Acme
because I kind of sort of haveto.
Of course, right, shamelessplug.
You know, members of Acme get adiscount at both GSEs on new
seller service numbers.
That's one shameless plug.
So Fannie Freddie members getdiscounts that's a shameless
(22:26):
plug.
So fanny freddy members getdiscounts, that's shameless.
But but, but too, kind of goingback to where I was right.
But it's the idea of if you'renot going to offer these
products, someone else will.
Right, and who would you rathertake care of this member, you
or the broker down the street?
because so right but let's,let's be honest.
(22:47):
I mean that broker down thestreet doesn't care about this
member, right?
And you know that large bank,you know whether it starts,
whether it has a wagon on itslogo or has that little you know
pinwheel looking thing that'sblue, you know, or has a slogan,
(23:09):
that has something, hassomething about a wallet in it.
You know they're not reallygoing to care about the member,
but if you really think about it, if you allow that member to go
to one of them, they're gone,absolutely gone.
So why would you allow that tohappen?
Speaker 4 (23:28):
Oh, you said it so perfectly.
Like I feel like Mike droppedPeter.
We need to keep talking becausethere's a lot more we want to
share, right Like it's soimportant to be able to retain
that member right, they'realready here and they're loyal
to us with their depositproducts.
You know there's there's so muchmore we can do for them.
(23:51):
And again, like Rome wasn'tbuilt in a day.
So these things take time andthey take investment.
And you know, I know a lot ofcredit unions are facing
challenges across the country.
But you know interest rate,risk, liquidity looking at those
things right, as a lot ofdeposits have flown up or have
(24:12):
flowed out of the just bankingsystem in general right.
So looking for ways to not haveto put as many loans on the
balance sheet and freeing themup on the secondary market is a
win.
In addition, if you are in aplace where you do have the
opportunity to put some loans onthe balance sheet as assets,
(24:37):
look for some of those nicheprograms out there.
Really evaluating the types ofproducts that you have that you
can offer.
Utilizing credit union fundsright.
Credit unions take deposits inand loan back out to our members
right.
So I would save those preciousdollars right now for adjustable
(24:57):
rate mortgage products right,I'll tell you what like there
are some fantastic programs outthere.
I'm a big believer in the fivefive arm.
I think that is one of the bestthings that a lot of credit
unions have done.
That is so much better thansome of the other adjustable
rate products out there.
And credit unions, you know,especially if they have lower
(25:18):
cost of funds, can really beaggressive with some really good
pricing to give back to themembers as well.
As you know thinking aboutputting those assets on the
balance sheet, right.
But I think you know it'sreally making sure that that
we're dialed in on what do weactually absolutely need to
retain and put on the balancesheet and let's make sure it's
(25:41):
their products that are designedto help our members that maybe
aren't necessarily able to sellon the secondary.
Speaker 3 (25:49):
Right.
But I mean you are a seasonedmortgage professional and you're
very knowledgeable.
You also think outside the boxand have the ability you know
when you play sports.
You kind of have that fullfield vision, right.
Speaker 4 (26:03):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (26:05):
And unfortunately, you know a lot of credit unions
and I don't want to talknegative about our industry, but
Unfortunately a lot of creditunions don't have that ability
to see the full field.
Speaker 5 (26:18):
Sure.
Speaker 3 (26:21):
And they only kind of sort of see how the individual
play is happening right in frontof them.
You know case in point.
You know let's go back to.
You know 2020, 2021, and thefirst quarter of 2022.
All those refinances, wherewere they going?
Speaker 4 (26:38):
Portfolio.
Speaker 3 (26:39):
Oh yeah, Right portfolio.
Speaker 4 (26:41):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 3 (26:44):
Right, that's why you know 2022 and 2023, we had so
much liquidity issues.
Speaker 4 (26:49):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (26:52):
Right.
You know laying that groundworkof you're right GSE approval.
You know partnering withaggregators, whether you know
it's you know a large IMB whohas, you know, the ability to
subservice for you or purchasethose loans.
Listen, there are some IMBs outthere who don't care about your
(27:14):
member, they really just don't.
Or it could be a CUSO Again,doesn't really care about your
member and that member willnever know that it's being
serviced by Accuso.
Speaker 4 (27:25):
Mm-hmm.
Speaker 3 (27:27):
But our ability to leverage them still allows you
to originate, get those loansoff your books, but you're also
expanding your productdevelopment, your product
offerings, right, and so I thinkthat's where we as an industry,
as a credit union industry,need to start looking at that
full field right.
And so I think that's where weas an industry, as a credit
union industry, need to startlooking at that full field right
(27:47):
and really start thinking abouthow do we really become better
mortgage originators and notjust sitting on our laurels
viewing mortgage as a necessaryevil.
Speaker 4 (28:06):
No, I would agree with you, and you know, just in
thinking about our chat today,right, I wrote down four things.
Number one people right.
Investing in our team that isserving our members right.
There's always somethingchanging in our industry when it
comes to guidelines, right.
(28:26):
Or just like making sure thatthey are in the best position
possible and as knowledgeable aspossible right, with all the
things.
Self-employed income right.
That is something that evenover the years, even sometimes
the most seasoned mortgageprofessionals still may struggle
with, those things right.
We have some great MI companiesout there that offer training
(28:47):
for free, right.
So, investing in people right,making sure that we're looking
at how they're doing their jobright From a process perspective
, what are those things that wecan evaluate from an efficiency
perspective?
And maybe, you know, get alittle clog out of the pipe, so
to speak, when moving alonethrough the process.
(29:09):
So people process, kind of thebasics we talked about products
and then technology right.
Like, I think sometimes it canbe easy to say, oh, we can't
make an investment in technology, it's so expensive, right, and
we can't make an investmenttechnology, it's so expensive,
right, and sure, sometimesthere's an investment there, but
when you think about the member.
(29:29):
We need to make sure it's africtionless process, right when
they go to apply.
But we are competing, peter,you said we are competing with
IMBs and banks, but most of thetime an IMB let's face it like
they dominate in a lot of waysin market share in general,
right, no matter where you'relocated at some heavy hitters
out there they invest intechnology, right.
(29:51):
So, you know, making sure that,first of all, another shameless
plug for Acuma, right.
But we have some great workshops.
We have annual.
We have podcasts.
We have some great workshops.
We have annual.
We have podcasts Like there'sso many ways to stay connected
and listen to and hear about allthe technology options that are
out there today.
And just when you think you'vegot your technology dialed in,
(30:12):
by the way, you need to keepevaluating because it's a
changing landscape, right.
But also connecting with, ifyou have the opportunity and
you're a part of a credit unionreal estate network, there's so
much power in that regionalnetwork as well.
So you know, I came fromIndiana and I was working with a
group of amazing people tostart a Karen.
Speaker 3 (30:35):
They just rolled it out.
They just rolled it out.
Speaker 4 (30:37):
I'm so excited, so excited for them.
But I'm also now excited tobecome part of the Texas Karen
Network.
I have a great mortgageleadership team here and we're
going to be getting involved inthe Texas Curen right.
So making sure that everyone'stapped into and dialed into
those events, not just forhearing about technology and
processes, but the networkingopportunities to share best
(30:59):
practices right In the spirit ofall of us being successful when
it comes to helping our membersand growth for the
organizations that we serve.
Speaker 3 (31:08):
Right and I agree with you.
Technology is key right.
But my concern with technologyis credit unions go out and get
the shiny object right and thatgoes out and hurts them more
than not having it.
You know.
(31:28):
Just because you know the shinyobject is out there and it's
it's, it's the best one, or I'mnot gonna say it's the best one,
I'm gonna strike that from therecord and, justin, you don't
need to delete that from therecording.
I wasn't going.
Speaker 2 (31:44):
You don't need to delete that from the recording I
wasn't going to, don't worry,all right, good, good, good.
Speaker 3 (31:51):
But just because it's out there doesn't mean you have
to go get it.
There's a lot of greattechnology providers that can do
the same exact thing for a moreaffordable price point.
Mainstay thing for a moreaffordable, affordable price
point.
That's probably better suitedfor your, your origination size,
your team size and you probablydon't need an admin to work it
(32:13):
right right, yeah and I thinkthat's a tough part with credit
unions is that we go out thereand we go and get the shiny
object because everyone else hasa shiny object and we ended up
shooting ourselves in the foot.
You know, and I agree, thattechnology is a huge thing that
we need, because you know, themortgage industry as a whole is
(32:35):
five steps behind otherindustries when it comes to
adopting technology.
You know, if you look athealthcare or what, well, behind
health care or other industrieswhen it comes to adopting
technology, but the creditunions are five steps behind
imbs yeah right.
Let's not hurt ourselves bytrying to catch up.
Speaker 2 (32:58):
Let's do it the right way so don't be the alien in
the claw machine, right, that'sall I keep thinking of.
When you're like this shinyobject, I'm like, oh it's, it's
that is so true, honestly, andsometimes you may be surprised.
Speaker 4 (33:21):
If you go on a journey of evaluating a piece of
technology depending on whetherit's a point of sale, los you
may be surprised to find what'sout there and there could be an
opportunity to even save alittle bit of money.
But I'm also a believer involume wins.
If we implement a new piece oftechnology again, not the
(33:42):
shiniest object, not the mostexpensive, because most
expensive doesn't mean bestright, but will that allow us to
capture more volume?
Will it allow us to not have ahigher abandoned rate on an
application Because I just can'tget through this piece of the
application online, right?
So think about to return oninvestment, right?
(34:07):
Even if I increase that pullthrough 25%, how many more loans
would you be able to close forthat member and continue to have
that loyalty and thatrelationship with that member
without the potential of losingit?
Right?
Yes, imbs are a big player.
So are the banks, sometimes tooright?
So, especially regional banksor community banks.
(34:29):
So you know we don't want to beat risk of, you know, if we
can't fulfill, you know, a loanor provide a solution to a
member for a loan.
Yeah, we don't, we do not, andI know we've said that a couple
of times, but we don't want torisk losing a member that's so
valued.
Speaker 3 (34:45):
I mean and I I agree wholeheartedly, but it's like
you know, I won't provide toomuch detail on this, but it's
like.
So last year I was travelingand I was I was visiting some
credit unions and I wasattending a local cure and event
and we we were kind ofdiscussing technology and you
(35:05):
know, a credit union spoke upand it was a small credit union
that has small mortgage division.
It was a three, three persondivision.
Yeah, okay, they had two loanofficers and one ops person who
processed and underwrote.
(35:26):
They went out and got an los.
That's the biggest los that'sout there that probably has.
That has the market share forall credit unions and I won't
name it.
Speaker 1 (35:42):
Sure.
Speaker 3 (35:43):
And my my first thought was at your origination
and your staff size.
Why are you getting that LOS?
You're only going to starthurting yourself.
Because you're going to focusso much time on managing that
LOS.
You're going to start losingmembers.
(36:04):
You're going to start losingmembers.
You're going to start losingvolume.
Those loan officers are goingto leave because you can't
administer that system anymore.
Your cost per loan is going togo up.
Why would you do this toyourself?
But, maybe it was a long game,maybe it was a ploy to recruit,
(36:27):
I don't know.
Um, I don't know and I don'tknow why.
I share that story, but I thinkit's a lesson learned.
But, yes, but I also tie itback to and, yes, we, yes, we
are competing with, you know,community banks.
Yes, we are competing with IMBs, but I think we need to do it
(36:50):
in a manner where we need tofocus on what's right for our
members, and what's right forour members is a system that's
going to allow us to maintainthat relationship with them, and
a system like that one, whichwe all know which one it is I'm
without naming names and in thatinstance, is not going to do it
(37:15):
yeah right, yeah and yeah.
We need to stay focused on thetask at hand and that's just a
maintaining our membersabsolutely.
Speaker 4 (37:28):
you know and I think about you know, in everything
that I do and decisions I make,I'm like I, you, I, you know I
don't make those decisionslightly and I always think about
the fact that when you make aninvestment in technology or
something like, it's our membersmoney, so it doesn't always
have to be the most expensive orlike the shiny subject like
we've talked about, and thenagain return like what do we
(37:49):
hope to gain out of it?
And then, yeah, making sure itdoesn't take so much work.
That also you, we startimpacting employee experience
and efficiency as well.
Speaker 3 (37:58):
okay, well, julie, we need to start transitioning,
but before we do um any finalthoughts.
You know again, the idea behindthis conversation was, you know
again, now more than ever, youknow 2025, 2026, we continue to
say this years of the creditunion.
(38:19):
We've been slowly capturingback market share away from the
banks, back from the IMBs.
How can we continue to do this?
How can we continue to lay thisgroundwork?
Any final thoughts?
Speaker 4 (38:33):
Yeah.
So that is a great question.
It's something I think about alot and have over the last
couple of years, and I knowseveral of my peers across the
country have done the same thing.
It's just constant evaluationright now of what we can do to
be the provider of loansolutions that our members need,
(38:55):
right.
So while we Peter, we've talkeda lot today about regular
traditional mortgage mortgageproducts, I think a lot about
home equity, right, the lastcouple of years there's been
trillions of dollars.
I've heard it at Acumaworkshops right, we've had
speakers talk about the factthat across the country there's
(39:17):
trillions of dollars.
I've heard it at Acumaworkshops right, we've had
speakers talk about the factthat across the country there's
trillions of dollars in untappedequity out there, right.
So we can't forget that, likeright now too, while we are
working on our roadmap andmaking the investments and
people process, products andtechnology.
Also, we've got some veryviable solutions right now that
(39:38):
sure IMBs they can partner witha credit union or a community
bank or Freddie offers someseconds and things like that
right to take advantage of.
But wow, credit unions reallyhave some amazing opportunity
when it comes to home equityproducts and helping our members
right now from a financialwellness perspective, because
that also creates a refinancepipeline of the future.
(39:59):
But I would also say, whilewe're focused on that, purchase,
purchase, purchase.
Helping people achieve homeownership, helping people get to
that dream home, their foreverhome or whatever.
Right, even though we're in theinterest rate environment we're
in, there's still incredibleopportunity out there and I'll
share this personal story withyou.
(40:20):
My bonus daughter, peyton,graduated from college last year
.
Thanksgiving tells her dad shehas a surprise for us, right,
I'm like new car, new boyfriend.
I don't know.
I was going through the gamut,right?
Well, she drove up in her oldcar.
That's not it.
I was going through the gamut,right?
Well, she drove up in her oldcar, that's not it.
She was like hey, I bought ahouse.
We were like what, what do youmean?
You bought a house and I waslike why didn't you talk to me
first?
She was like, julie, I wantedto do it on my own.
(40:42):
She was like but I need helpwith my interest rate.
But, julie, I went to creditunion because I've always banked
at right and my realtorreferred me to the credit union
as well.
She goes, but I wanted to do iton my own and she goes.
(41:05):
Honestly, I was throwing moneyaway in rent the last couple of
years and she was like mypayment is actually just a
little bit less than rent, right?
A lot of our members those firsttime home buyer potential
opportunities right Like theyneed our help with that.
So when I think about that andthe opportunity we have, like
(41:26):
just continue to evaluate whereyou're at, where you wanna be
and what it's gonna take to getthere, but never lose sight of
the fact that we're here toserve our members and there's
those Peyton Bowerings out thereright that are ready to buy.
You know, have that 5% downpayment.
Just need help to figure outthe path.
But proud of her that she didit on her own and then she got
(41:47):
an amazing interest rate becauseshe went to her credit union.
Speaker 3 (41:49):
That's right.
I love that you called her abonus daughter.
Speaker 2 (41:53):
I love that you called her bonus daughter.
I love that you put banked inair quotes to find out how to
become.
We need to figure out a waythat people can go and say, oh,
I credit union at my creditunion.
It's like, it's like.
You know, it's the same thingfor Google and search.
Right, I Googled it.
No, you searched it.
You use Google to do it, right,it's the same thing.
(42:15):
We got to get people on boardwith a credit union and see if
we can make that a thing.
Speaker 4 (42:21):
Justin, you are so right I think about.
There's a highway going northof Indianapolis up towards the
South Bend area that I used totravel a lot, right, and there
was this big billboard promotinga credit union in Kokomo.
It's like bank is a four-letterword, right, come to our credit
(42:42):
union.
And I know I I do cringe or airquote when I say bank.
But yes, we need a better termfor that, but until there is,
we'll continue to air quote thatI guess there you go yeah I
mean, we've already uh, coined,memorized, so maybe we might as
well.
Speaker 3 (42:53):
So maybe we might as well credit union, credit union.
Speaker 4 (42:56):
I credit union there memberize.
Speaker 3 (43:00):
We make someone a member.
That's right, alright.
Well, last question, before wetransition to the second segment
.
This is just like the firstquestion, which was who is Julie
Bowery?
Last question is the same exactquestion I ask everybody, and
again it goes back to the ideaof this is a people piece.
(43:21):
You know, we want to focus onwho you are individually.
The last question really iswhat keeps you going?
What motivates you?
You're just like everyone else,one foot out of bed Start the
day.
What keeps you driving to besuccessful?
Speaker 4 (43:40):
That's a great question.
I was just chatting with ouramazing CEO here yesterday at
A-plus right About the fact thatI'm like there's so much
opportunity in the credit unionspace in the credit union space
and like, with my newopportunity here at A-plus Again
, we have an amazing team hereof over 500 employees, 17
(44:08):
branches right, a very loyalmember base, and when I think
about, you know, the opportunityto give back to members more
and make an impact on employeeexperience and efficiency here,
I couldn't be happier to be in arole serving, you know, in a
credit union and even at anexecutive team level.
I don't take thatresponsibility lightly at all
(44:29):
and I am very excited to wake upevery day and think about what
can I do today to make adifference in the lives of our
members and our employees.
Speaker 3 (44:39):
Love it, absolutely love it.
Ok, thank you very much.
Well, julie, it's now time totransition to the second segment
of our podcast, and, again,this is where we sometimes do
Jeopardy trivia.
But today we're going to do themost requested segment of dad
jokes.
Prior to the recording, I askedyou to come prepared with two
(45:00):
to three dad jokes, and you werekind enough to come prepared
with three dad jokes.
I love the fact that you werean overachiever and came
prepared with three.
No one ever comes prepared withthree anymore.
Everyone always comes preparedwith two, because they were like
I'm not going to do three, butyou came prepared with three, so
we're going to do three.
So the way it's going to work,julie, you're going to do three,
(45:22):
justin's going to do three andI'll do three, and then we'll
wrap up.
Sound good?
Okay, perfect, go for it.
Speaker 4 (45:31):
So, with my relocation Indiana, born and
raised to Austin in the lastcouple of months I was like I
have to find a dad joke onAustin, right, what's a good one
?
So here's my first one why didthe Austinite bring a ladder to
the bar?
(45:51):
Why, they heard drinks were onthe house?
As you know, austin has a greatlike.
Uh, I don't ever seenrestaurants, all the things.
So I thought, okay, of course,that's one of the first things I
find right that was good thatwas good okay, then I tried to
(46:12):
find on housing mortgage alongthose lines.
Right, why did the gardener takeout a mortgage?
Why, why, because he wanted toplant his roots.
Can you hear me?
Speaker 2 (46:28):
don't worry we we'll have Too bad.
Speaker 4 (46:32):
they can't see me my air drumsticks, or whatever
those are.
Yes, okay, last one, I'm surethat's in, peter, yours will be
better.
Speaker 3 (46:50):
No, these are great.
I'm going to fail this time, nono, no.
Speaker 4 (46:55):
I've listened to your podcast.
Some great dad jokes both aregreat.
No, I'm going to fail this time.
No, no, no.
I've listened to your podcast,like some great dad jokes both
of you but I found this one on arealtor site how do you warm up
a room after it's been painted?
Speaker 3 (47:08):
How.
Speaker 4 (47:10):
Give it a second coat .
Speaker 3 (47:14):
That's funny, I hope so.
I was thinking about it thefirst time.
I was like, oh yeah, that'sgood.
Speaker 2 (47:25):
The sad truth is I went very literal and I was
thinking of a heater.
How?
Speaker 4 (47:30):
do you?
Speaker 3 (47:30):
warm up a heater.
Speaker 2 (47:31):
I was like I have no idea, that's good All right Hawk
.
Speaker 3 (47:33):
Go for good, all right Hawk.
Speaker 2 (47:36):
Go for it, all right.
What did the bison say to hisson when he left the ranch?
What, bison, bison.
Speaker 3 (47:49):
I knew that one.
Speaker 4 (47:51):
Oh, it sounded familiar to Mike.
Did you pick a Texas theme here?
Oh, no, but.
Speaker 2 (47:54):
I had to pick one, that you pick a Texas theme here
, no, but I had to pick one thatwas going to annoy Peter just a
little bit, and I felt likethat was the one that was going
to do it.
Okay, it did annoy you a little, right, it did.
So?
Peter loves dad jokes, and sowhat's the best way to save your
dad jokes?
(48:14):
Oh, in a database, all right,last one what do you call a
sheep who can sing and dance?
What, lady Baba?
Speaker 3 (48:46):
All right, what, lady baba?
All right, I'll wrap up.
First, one was the best, it wasgood.
It was good.
Uh, what do you call an oldsnowman water?
The class of water.
There you go, thanks.
Thanks for doing my joke.
Good one A glass of water.
I just found out the other daythat my new electric toothbrush
is not waterproof.
I was shocked.
Speaker 2 (49:06):
That's a good one.
Speaker 5 (49:12):
All right.
Speaker 3 (49:12):
Last one you know a lot of women complain that their
husbands never listen to them.
I am proud to say I've neverheard my wife say that I'm gonna
take that one home to myhusband you'll agree.
Speaker 2 (49:31):
oh yeah, I think we'll all agree with our wives.
That's right, that's right.
Speaker 3 (49:37):
Well, that wraps up this episode's dad joke.
Julie, thank you so much fortaking time out of your busy
schedule to sit down with us.
Really do appreciate everythingyou do for the Credit Union
movement, but also our membersand ACUMA Really enjoyed our
conversation.
Thank you.
Speaker 4 (49:52):
Thank you, honored to be here.
Had a lot of fun, as always.
Appreciate the work you all doto support us out here in the
credit union mortgage space.
Speaker 3 (50:01):
Awesome.
Thank you, justin.
Thank you, of course, it was mypleasure.
And, to close out, thank youagain to Polygon Research for
sponsoring today's episode andto all of you.
We know your time is valuable.
Thank you for tuning in to thelatest episode of Acuma's On
Point Podcast.
We hope you enjoyed it.
Until next time, be well, myfriends.
Speaker 1 (50:21):
Thanks for listening.
We'll see you next time at theAcuma On Point Podcast.
If not already, be sure tosubscribe and give us a
five-star rating.
For more great episodes andinformation, visit us online at
acumaorg, and to get the latestupdates, head over to our
LinkedIn page.
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