Reviving Small Credit Unions: Josh Hench on Purpose, Grit, and Growth

What does it take to lead a 3,000-member credit union in a world of billion-dollar players?

For Josh Hench, COO and CEO-in-waiting at Tuscaloosa VA Federal Credit Union, the answer lies in purpose, grit, and doubling down on human connection.

In this episode of Nest Egg Narratives, Josh shares how his upbringing shaped his approach to money, what he's learned from building trust with every member who walks through the door, and why small credit unions are uniquely positioned to thrive — not just survive — in today’s financial landscape.

You’ll hear how TVACU navigated a core conversion on a tight budget, how they’ve shifted communication to stay closer to their members, and why Josh believes creating an energetic workplace culture is key to long-term success.

It’s a candid conversation about leadership, financial literacy, and the future of small credit unions from one of the movement’s rising young leaders.

📝 Topics Covered:

• Josh’s earliest memory of turning a profit — with rocks and jewelry boxes

• Lessons in grit from a construction-worker dad

• Why smaller teams can lead to deeper staff alignment

• How TVACU managed a core conversion with minimal disruption

• A modern twist on credit building through pledge loans

• The power of purpose in retaining members and staff

  
  

  
  

💬 Key Quotes:

"People don’t just want a loan — they want someone who listens."

"We’re not trying to sell you something. We just want you to understand how the system works."

"If you keep your members and your staff at the center of every decision, the rest takes care of itself."

"Being small means I can talk to every employee every day — that’s our advantage."

"Purpose is enduring. Innovation is exciting, but at the end of the day, this work is about people."

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