Thank you to Cayla Hittmeier and the Land of Lincoln Credit Union for a great visit today!! We learned what a credit union is, how they started and some common misconceptions and that LLCU main goal is education of their members, which is the reason for the 🍏 in their logo!
Cayla set up a panel of Senior Executives who shared their career journey of how they got to where they are today and they each shared some great life wisdom.
Cayla Hittmeier-LLCU Chief Marketing Officer encouraged us to take the opportunities that present themselves to network and build relationships, never stop learning and how important it is to work in a place that encourages self development and to push you. She shared that you need to know who your competition is and the importance of market research when starting a business and marketing!
Ashley Brandenburg-VP and Controller and Accounting Manager of LLCU encouraged us to take initiative and look for people to mentor you along the way while opening yourself up to new opportunities and experiences. Always put yourself out there and help people.
Brandi Binkley-LLCU Chief Human Resources Officer talked about having the initiative to learn, pursue growth and give 110% and how we can learn from ANYONE. When a window of opportunity closes, build your own door! And put yourself in others shoes when you are making decisions.
Howard Martin. LLCU VP of Commercial lending-spoke about not discounting any opportunities that present themselves. You never know where you will end up in life, be patient with the process. He shared very practical advice to not blow your 20's, stay focused and keep your finances and credit straight!
We learned how LLCU is considered a complex credit union that does offer business loans - they manage over $110 million in commercial loans.
Jeri Phillips LLCU Chief Member Services Officer-shared the imortance of service and giving of yourself in your community. Be a sponge, pay attention, offer to help. Find people who believe in your and encourage you because RELATIONSHIPS and service is vital!
Brittni Stout LLCU VP of Compliance-She found people to push her and believe in her and she was able to find value in every position she has had. She stressed how you should ALWAYS ask questions and if you are an expert you are no longer learning.-ask why!
Ben Austin-LLCU Chief Information Officer (IT)-he loves solving problems, building solutions and improving things. He encouraged us to never be the smartest person in the room. STAY HUMBLE and beware of impostor syndrome. Persevere and keep showing up and doing the things! It's about the journey not the end result and Enjoy the process.
Last but certainly not least....Robert Ares-LLCU CEO opened with "I serve here." Don't let anyone define who you are and what you are supposed to do. He appreciates his team of employees and says he's just in a supporting role. He believes in giving back and never forgetting where we come from. It is our responsibility to give back and Bless forward.
The kids were encouraged to start a Roth IRA as soon as they are able. Keep their credit clean and how to do that-what contributes and does not contribute to building credit, have good habits, learn to budget, and know your wants vs needs!
The common thread today was being a curious learner and that life is most certainly not a straight line. 2 people have no college degree, 1 person has a psychology degree, and one is a 1st generation immigrant. None of them saw themselves working in a bank/CU as a career when they were 17/18 years old.
Thank you so much for imparting your wisdom and taking your time to spend with us today! #mtzionilceo #LLCU #relationshipsmatter #networking #lifeisnotastraightline #producethewow r
