Top Quartile: Recent Episodes
Dan Marks
Top Quartile brings you stories from the front lines of growth in community focused financial services. Each episode features thought leaders offering insights on what's driving growth in customers/members, loans, deposits, and digital channels at community banks and credit unions around the country.
Description: Chris Nichols, Director of Capital Markets at SouthState Bank discusses key strategies for growth in the current environment with Dan Marks. Key points covered include: * Chris’ background and role * The interplay of balance sheet, income statement, and hedging strategies in the current environment * How Chris’ team enables banks to implement the right balance sheet and customer tactics * The importance of prioritizing customer relationship growth and picking the right areas to focus on in order to earn above the banks’ cost of capital * Best practices in driving relationship deposit growth * How data, machine learning, and practical analytics can and should inform prioritized focus * Chris’ perspective on what we will all wish we knew about 2024 ahead of time by the time we get to 2025 and look back on the year
David Eldred, Chief Experience Officer of Solarity Credit Union, joins Dan Marks to discuss how he has used practical behavior-driven data to be a foundation for driving growth and improvement of the overall member experience. Key points covered include: 1. David’s career progression and current role 2. The growth trends that lead to a strategic imperative to put the member at the “center of the universe” 3. Tools and techniques to discover member preferences and differences by persona 4. How data drove the process and was used to tailor member communication 5. Best practices for change management both inside of the credit union and with the members 6. Key trends and emerging opportunities 7. David’s hobby as a board game publisher. See this link to discover his game: RPG Battles Home - RPG Battles
Description: Doug Peacock, EVP and Chief Digital Officer of Associated Bank, joins Dan Marks to discuss how he is leading a Digital First/Product First strategic initiative to use digital channels to enhance the overall customer experience and profitable revenue growth at the bank. Key points covered include: * Background and current role * Growth at Associated Bank * The key growth drivers digital channels enable at the bank * How advanced data analytics informs strategy and the impact AI will have * Prioritizing engagement, retention, and originations with digital channel capabilities * How the digital experience supports sales both in the digital channel and in other channels * The changing role of the contact center to support the overall experience * The importance of developing curiosity as a key leadership trait
Scott Brinker, Editor at chiefmartec.com and VP of Platform Ecosystem at HubSpot, joins Dan Marks to discuss what the current state of the art looks like in the world of Marketing Data, Marketing Automation, AI, and the interaction of the different market participants.
Key points covered include: 1. Scott’s background and experience in the space both as a founder of chiefmartec.com and in his current role. 2. Key trends related to marketing data, AI, and no code/low code capabilities. 3. How the landscape has changed since first-generation platforms such as Unica, Eloqua, and Marketo. 4. The key benefit of a platform-based approach and how it is particularly relevant in periods of rapid innovation. 5. Key considerations in highly regulated industries like financial services. 6. Does Scott have a crystal ball that reveals the key trends to watch over the next 3-5 years? Tune in to find out.
Scott Brinker, Editor at chiefmartec.com and VP of Platform Ecosystem at HubSpot, joins Dan Marks to discuss what the current state of the art looks like in the world of Marketing Data, Marketing Automation, AI, and the interaction of the different market participants.
Key points covered include: 1. Scott’s background and experience in the space both as a founder of chiefmartec.com and in his current role. 2. Key trends related to marketing data, AI, and no code/low code capabilities. 3. How the landscape has changed since first-generation platforms such as Unica, Eloqua, and Marketo. 4. The key benefit of a platform-based approach and how it is particularly relevant in periods of rapid innovation. 5. Key considerations in highly regulated industries like financial services. 6. Does Scott have a crystal ball that reveals the key trends to watch over the next 3-5 years? Tune in to find out.
Tim Keith, CEO of Infusion, joins Dan Marks to discuss current trends, opportunities for raising deposits for banks and credit unions, interest rates, and best practices.
Key points covered include: * Trends we are seeing as we work with clients all over the country at the start of 2H 2023. * What we are seeing today regarding raising deposits efficiently and effectively with the huge focus on deposits over the last 6-9 months. * Opportunities banks who need deposits should be focusing on as high probability wins and any similarities or differences for credit unions. * How loan growth has changed with the current interest rate environment. * What we are seeing regarding channel mix and best practices for execution.
David Hall, SVP, DX Director with Bank of Hawaii, joins Dan Marks to discuss key lessons learned during his history working across the front lines and back office at Zions, MX, and now at BOH, using data and personalization to make a difference in areas that really matter to customers. Key points covered include: * David’s background and current role at Bank of Hawaii. * What David learned mixing tunes in the 90s. * What growth has been like at Bank of Hawaii recently. * How David’s experience as both a banker and FinTech executive uniquely informs his perspective. * How David sees consumer behavior changing fundamentally versus more cyclical changes driven by the economic/rate environment. * What David thinks about the intersection of media channels and sales/service channels. * How data informs the strategy being put in place at Bank of Hawaii. * Overall observations and lessons learned that David believes would be helpful to other bankers. * David’s advice to his younger self based on what he knows now, having served at multiple banks and in Fintech.
Steve Mertz, EVP of Growth & Strategy with People First Federal Credit Union, joins Dan Marks to discuss how their team is leveraging data to boost member and revenue growth. Key points covered include:* Steve’s broad background with banking and credit unions and how that has prepared him to drive the overall growth agenda at People First * Steve’s passion for family and baseball * The new executive team at People First being in place to accelerate growth after a period low to no growth * The challenge in brand perception and delivery that had to be addressed as a foundation * How to use data-driven insights to effectively coordinate marketing and sales activities * Where Steve sees the puck going in applying data to generate tangible revenue outcomes * Setting an array of proactive touchpoints to communicate to members in the way that they have signaled they prefer – including emerging channels like text and OTT video * Proactively generating sustainable low-cost funding to continue driving top quartile loan growth * Steve’s mix of experience including brokerage licensure, branch service, and sales management
D.G. Markwell with Credit Union Leaders joins Dan Marks to discuss leadership skills, best practices, and habits that will be essential to maintain strong growth into the future. Key points covered include:* How D.G.’s background growing a credit union from $100M to over $2B in assets set the stage for Credit Union Leaders * How the mission of Credit Union Leaders helps the industry grow * Competing with the big banks and supporting communities * How leadership looks in the digital age * Best practices in data-driven digital growth and keeping a heart and passion for the community * How credit unions under $5B can tap into essential data-driven expertise without having to hire full time * Leadership essentials looking out 36 months, including: Empathy, mental health, digital transformation, the culture of data-driven decisions, financial education, marketing, and product development * How to build teams effectively by relaxing and embracing the process – not to worry, but also recognize different talents and skills on the team
Forbes article that DG mentioned.
Drew Manning, CIO at KeyPoint Credit Union, joins Dan Marks to talk about how technology enables KeyPoint to deliver a great member experience today and into the future as the landscape changes. We specifically talk about:* Drew’s background and current role as CIO, along with his hobby as a Jazz musician (Drew’s Jazz Spotify channel) * Recent growth at KeyPoint * Drew’s experience as a developer and how that informs his approach to leading as CIO * Key growth drivers * The role of data analytics – both historical trending and forward-looking predictive * Managing risks to protect the member experience * Drew’s perspective on where the technology landscape is going * How instinct and curiosity are key success factors
Tim Keith, CEO at Infusion Marketing Group, joins Dan Marks to discuss what it means to deliver over $10 billion in balances for clients, how that connects to the Mission, and key lessons learned along the way, grounded in deep analysis of what actually drives tangible results. Key points covered include:* The $10B response balance milestone * What this means for clients and how it connects to our Mission * Lessons learned across four key performance optimization dimensions: + Audience selection and the capacity/propensity equation + Offer structure related to product mix + Creative/positioning + Channel mix including digital and OTT/CTV * How results are tracked and optimized
Ashish Agarwal, CMO at Kin Insurance (previously with Prosper), joins Dan Marks to discuss leaning in with strong analytics, customer, and commercial orientation and building a talented team to drive results. Some of the points we highlight in this episode are: * Ashish’s background and progression through roles at Capital One, Remitly, Prosper, and now, Kin * Observations on growth drivers and current consumer behavior from the FinTech perspective * How the interest rate environment affects the marketplace * How to use data and insights to inform marketing strategy * Lessons learned from recent changes in consumer behavior and preferences * How Brand and Performance disciplines in marketing work together to drive results * Advice Ashish would give his younger self
Stephanie Dennehy, Chief Marketing Officer at Cape Cod Five, joins Dan Marks on this episode to talk about some of the best practices for community banking. Stephanie has been in banking and financial services for 11 years and talks about the growth she has seen in her time in the banking industry. Some of the points we highlight in this episode are: * Stephanie’s background and experience as a digital leader * How Cape Cod Five expanded its leadership in business lending * How culture and brand mutually reinforce each other * How Stephanie’s marketing leadership has supported growth at Cape Cod Five * How the mission of expanding financial wellness informs the go to market approach * How the bank’s mission and values informed the key strategic decision to completely eliminate Overdraft fees * How Cape Cod Five is implementing P2P payment systems to better serve their customers * Stephanie’s advice to her younger self
Top Quartile brings you part 2 of our special year end episode as we talk with a few of this year’s guests on the show about what kind of things they are keeping their watching as we go into 2023 and what key trends they are seeing, strategizing for, and are excited about in the coming year in the banking industry. Guests appearing in this episode and links to their original Top Quartile episode include: * Janelle Herrera, the head of Marketing and Business Development at OnTap Credit Union https://infusionmarketinggroup.com/podcast/tapping-growth-through-a-focused-strategy-w-janelle-herrera/ * Kim Vogel, Board Director TriCo and TriplePoint https://infusionmarketinggroup.com/podcast/the-board-of-directors-perspective-on-growth-in-community-banking-and-fintech-w-kim-vogel/kim-vogel/ * Tim Keith, Chief Executive Officer at Infusion https://infusionmarketinggroup.com/podcast/growing-deposits-at-attractive-cost-by-applying-advanced-data-analytics-with-tim-keith/ * Douglas Scarboro, SVP of Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Regional Executive Memphis Branch https://infusionmarketinggroup.com/podcast/helping-communities-thrive-and-fostering-payments-innovation-w-douglas-scarboro/ * Jeff Keltner, Fintech Executive https://infusionmarketinggroup.com/podcast/credit-digital-lending-and-how-to-use-data-in-new-ways-w-jeff-keltner/ * Gentry Moyes, Head of Paid Media at Mountain America Credit Union https://infusionmarketinggroup.com/podcast/how-to-win-awards-and-crush-roi-goals-w-gentry-moyes/ * Rick Claypoole, Managing Partner at Infusion - The Value of Customer Data For M&A https://infusionmarketinggroup.com/podcast/the-value-of-customer-data-for-ma-with-rick-claypoole/ * Sean Kouplen, Chairman and CEO at Regent Bank https://infusionmarketinggroup.com/podcast/leadership-strategies-and-bank-growth-w-sean-kouplen/
Top Quartile brings you a special year end episode bringing back guests from the past year to talk about some of the key lessons they learned in 2022 as well as some of the books they have read that have helped shape strategies in the banking industry. Guests appearing in this episode and links to their original Top Quartile episode include:
- Kim Vogel, Board Director TriCo and TriplePoint https://infusionmarketinggroup.com/podcast/the-board-of-directors-perspective-on-growth-in-community-banking-and-fintech-w-kim-vogel/kim-vogel/
- Rick Claypoole, Managing Partner at Infusion - The Value of Customer Data For M&A https://infusionmarketinggroup.com/podcast/the-value-of-customer-data-for-ma-with-rick-claypoole/
- Douglas Scarboro, SVP of Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Regional Executive Memphis Branch https://infusionmarketinggroup.com/podcast/helping-communities-thrive-and-fostering-payments-innovation-w-douglas-scarboro/
- Janelle Herrera, the head of Marketing and Business Development at OnTap Credit Union https://infusionmarketinggroup.com/podcast/tapping-growth-through-a-focused-strategy-w-janelle-herrera/
- Jeff Keltner, Fintech Executive https://infusionmarketinggroup.com/podcast/credit-digital-lending-and-how-to-use-data-in-new-ways-w-jeff-keltner/
- Gentry Moyes, Head of Paid Media at Mountain America Credit Union https://infusionmarketinggroup.com/podcast/how-to-win-awards-and-crush-roi-goals-w-gentry-moyes/
- Tim Keith, Chief Executive Officer at Infusion https://infusionmarketinggroup.com/podcast/growing-deposits-at-attractive-cost-by-applying-advanced-data-analytics-with-tim-keith/
- Sean Kouplen, Chairman and CEO at Regent Bank https://infusionmarketinggroup.com/podcast/leadership-strategies-and-bank-growth-w-sean-kouplen/
Neil Stanley, the CEO of CorePoint and a former Bank CEO joins host Dan Marks to talk trends and best practices on liquidity management. Neil has an extensive experience from his time working for a bank and running a bank as CEO as well as his current role at Corepoint. Neil has a passion for diving deep in understanding all of the levers that influence deposit growth at a bank and an interesting perspective that may be a source of new ideas and inspiration for enhancing your strategy.
- Trends across the industry related to liquidity management
- The catalyst for shifts in balance sheet priorities and how to get prepared for what is coming
- The balance sheet view compared to the customer view
- The value of personalization in setting deposit pricing and processes
- Updating processes and approaches for the mix of digital and personal channels
- Key take-aways and best practices
Amber Callahan who leads marketing for 1st Advantage Credit Union joins Dan Marks how a data driven foundation for marketing leads to brand growth as well as product growth. Some of the points we highlight in this episode are:
- What growth has been like recently at 1st Advantage
- 1st Advantage’s marketing strategy
- How the 70-year legacy of community involvement builds the brand
- Using data and analytics as a strong foundation for the entire marketing plan
- Best Practices and lessons learned
- Advice Amber would give to her younger self
Rilla Delorier, who sits on multiple bank and fintech boards, joins Dan Marks on this episode to discuss how banks can ensure innovation gets the proper attention at the board and management level. * Innovation from the perspective of a bank executive vs a bank board member * How Rilla filters and prioritizes key information * Understanding the customer perspective to inform strategy * The importance of having people from different perspectives to spark inspiration * Key innovation areas of opportunity for community banks * Avoiding the ‘twin traps’ of being too aggressive and too massive on a transformation program as opposed to not doing enough * 3 key lessons learned by Rilla that would be helpful for bank management
Tim Keith and Dan Marks discuss how smart banks and credit unions are able to apply practical analysis to create a data driven strategy that results in reaching funding goals and relationship growth goals at a lower total cost than other alternatives.
- Macro trends from across peer banks and credit unions
- Similarities and differences from prior rate cycles going back to the 1970s
- Differences between relationship and prospect driven approaches
- How personalized digital media changes the game
- Key lessons learned and practical examples
Janelle Herrera, the head of Marketing and Business Development at OnTap Credit Union talks with Dan Marks about OnTap’s unique mission tied to their roots and it focuses the growth strategy. Dive into the history at the bottom of the bottle on this fascinating Podcast episode of Top Quartile. How OnTap Credit Union was […]
Gentry Moyes, Head of Paid Media at Mountain America Credit Union, goes behind the scenes with Dan Marks to unpack the who, what, and why of the MACCEE award winning campaign that Mountain America recently wrapped up that used influencers to authentically promote the My Style checking product. Gentry’s background and current role at […]
Jeff Keltner and joins Dan Marks in this episode of Top Quartile to discusses credit, digital lending, and how to use data in new ways to expand access to credit. Jeff is the Senior Vice President of Business Development at Upstart and has a Computer Systems Engineering Degree from Standford. Upstarts background and what […]
Join Kim Vogel and Dan Marks as they discuss the unique role of the board of directors in overseeing rather than executing a bank strategy. Kim serves on the board of directors for Tri Counties Bank as well as two FinTechs.
- How Kim’s background in Equity Research and FinTech startups informs her perspective
- The board’s role as overseer rather than management
- Effective board and management interactions
- How to assess and manage risk rather than try to eliminate it
- Keys to successful innovation and how to create a culture of “smart innovation.”
- Real world stories and examples from multiple chairs
- What Kim secretly wanted to be when she grew up and the advice she would give her younger self about pursuing a board role
Sean Kouplen and Dan Marks discuss the culture of support and giving that Regent Bank has been thriving on both internally and externally, and how Sean has learned and developed his leadership strategy over the years as the Chairman and CEO at Regent Bank.
- How Regent Bank has generated sustained double-digit growth
- Regent’s use of technology enables their “niche is the new local” strategy
- Discover which niches Regents focuses on and why
- How building a culture of giving has attracted employees and customers
- Sean’s top 3 lessons learned around leadership
Nicholas Holland and Dan Marks explore lessons learned from Nick’s perspective as a marketer and now head of product at HubSpot – a leading provider of CRM technology.
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How HubSpot has grown recently
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How HubSpot used the voice of their customer to inform the product and growth roadmap
- How orchestration of marketing, sales, and service activities via a CRM can turbocharge growth
- Omni Channel customer journeys and how to use best practices for banks and credit unions
- How platforms, integrations, and ecosystems are impacting the future of technology for the front office
Tim Keith and Dan Marks provide an introduction and overview of the best practices to actually use Digital Marketing to drive tangible measurable growth. This overview comes from years of experience and analysis based on what does and doesn’t work at banks and credit unions around the country.
Highlights include:
- The Digital landscape and why First Party data matters so much.
- How capacity and propensity inform targeting and awareness and engagement, and drive results.
- How to practically orchestrate a true omni-channel growth strategy.
- How Digital marketing drives measurable results across channels both online and in branch.
- How real account tracking works across channels and devices in the crazy world of people using ad blockers and click blockers
Chief Marketing Officer at USE Credit Union, Amber Fielder, talks marketing strategy and her “Digital First” approach with host Dan Marks. Including:
- Amber’s marketing and sustainability background
- Growth at USE
- The brand journey
- Surprising data driven insights that drive strategy
- How Digital First comes to life in marketing
- How Digital First comes to life in the branch
- Amber’s advice to her younger self
USE website
Connect with Amber on LinkedIn
Amber serves on the board of the Marketing Association of Credit Unions
MAC spring conference
State Employees’ Credit Union’s SVP of Marketing, Amy Tharrington, talks about agility and change management to build brands with host Dan Marks. Including: • Growth at SECU
• How personal balance drives high performance at work
• Amy’s progression of roles at different types of financial institutions
• The importance of understanding the associate and member mindset to build change programs
• Using data to inform a strategy
• How “playing up” helps develop talent
Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Check out SECU
Community Resource Credit Union’s Marketing Director, Kristen Curette, talks all things design, digital, community, and leadership with host Dan Marks. Highlights include:
- Big digital advances that helped lead to CRCU’s steady growth amidst the pandemic
- How Kristen’s creative background informs her leadership
- Kristen’s focus on community
- Using design to improve the customer experience
- How staying grounded in the fundamentals while always learning and innovating are both super important
- Kristen’s advice to her younger self
Connect with Kristen on LinkedIn
Check out CRCU
President and CEO of Baker Hill John Deignan talks all things loan growth with host Dan Marks.
- Highlights from a career spent helping financial services companies grow
- How work styles and processes are adapting to a hybrid world
- The most effective things financial institutions are doing to grow quality loans
- Keys to successfully digitizing an end to end loan origination process
- The top three (plus one) things that banks and credit unions to accelerate loan growth
- John’s advice on addressing and thriving in challenging situations
Connect with John on LinkedIn
Check out Baker Hill
Several key thought leaders share their perspective on key trends shaping 2022. Check out the video version of this episode on Youtube. Guests appearing in this episode and links to their original Top Quartile episode include:
- Sarae Janes Lewis SVP, Director of Associate & Client Experience at Pinnacle Financial Partners – The Inside Story of Pinnacle’s Growth
- Rick Claypoole EVP, Client Analytics at Infusion – The Value of Customer Data For M&A
- Delynn Byars SVP of Marketing at First South Financial CU – Systematic Onboarding
- John Oxford SVP and Director of Marketing at Renasant Bank – Key Marketing Trends
- Douglas Scarboro SVP of Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Regional Executive Memphis Branch – Helping Communities Thrive and Fostering Payments Innovation
- Tim Keith CEO at Infusion – Loan Growth Best Practices
We bring back some of the guests that were part of the inaugural year of Top Quartile for a roundtable discussion about key lessons learned in 2021. Check out the video version of this episode on Youtube! Guests appearing in this episode and links to their original Top Quartile episode include:
- Sarae Janes Lewis SVP, Director of Associate & Client Experience at Pinnacle Financial Partners – The Inside Story of Pinnacle’s Growth
- Rick Claypoole EVP, Client Analytics at Infusion – The Value of Customer Data For M&A
- Delynn Byars SVP of Marketing at First South Financial CU – Systematic Onboarding
- John Oxford SVP and Director of Marketing at Renasant Bank – Key Marketing Trends
- Douglas Scarboro SVP of Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Regional Executive Memphis Branch – Helping Communities Thrive and Fostering Payments Innovation
- Tim Keith CEO at
Business Development Strategist and author of How to Turn Order Takers Into Rainmakers, Charlie Moon, talks about how banks can enhance revenue growth through a systematic approach to sales coaching and management with host Dan Marks, including:
- Charlie’s unique background in banking
- How Charlie applies his skills to help non profits raise funds in his spare time
- Charlie breaks down his book and the acronym embrACe
- Navigating the relationship between technical skills and personal skills in sales
- The importance of engaging clients with a story
- Charlie’s process for individual development
- Charlie’s advice to his younger self
Connect with Charlie on LinkedIn
Check out getcharliemoon.com
Download Charlie’s book
Senior Vice President and Director of Associate and Client Experience at Pinnacle Financial Partners, Sarae Janes Lewis, talks with host Dan Marks about how building a great culture focused on delivering a great client experience drives growth at Pinnacle, including:
- Sarae’s background and the genesis of her role
- How Pinnacle has grown from 250 employees to a top 40 bank by assets
- How culture and delivering an excellent client experience interrelate
- Pinnacle’s leadership philosophy and the story behind using Partners in the name
- Pinnacle’s distinct operating approach and how analytics and listening to clients drive Top Quartile growth
- Sarae’s advice to her younger self
Connect with Sarae on LinkedIn
Check out Pinnacle’s website
Fastest Growing Metro Areas in the US
Will Chase, the founding CEO of Triumph bank, discusses key observations and lessons learned that led to the founding, profitability, rapid growth, and eventual successful exit with host Dan Marks including:
- Will’s journey from repossessing cars to founding Triumph
- The banking climate in Memphis while starting Triumph
- The strategies that kept Triumph successful through all types of economic cycles
- How Triumph built a differentiated brand
- How a community bank can use data and analytics to win customers
- Will’s view on adopting technology and how a community bank can be successful even in a “scale game”
- Reflections on leadership, culture, and learning from mistakes
Scot Lenoir, Chairman at Evolve Bank and Trust, talks with host Dan Marks about their partnerships in the FinTech and Crypto space and how it drives growth! The conversation includes:
- How Scot started Evolve
- Scot’s love for sports and music
- Evolve’s role in in FinTech and Crypto
- How Scot thinks about the current banking and financial services space
- How Evolve embraces innovation and regulation at the same time
- How FinTech partnerships benefit end consumers
- How Evolve leverages data and analytics to serve clients
- Scot’s key takeaways around serving the FinTech and Crypto space
- Scot’s advice to his younger self and what he would have done differently if he were to start a bank today.
Connect with Scot and Evolve on LinkedIn
Follow Evolve on Facebook and Twitter
Visit getevolved.com
CEO at Infusion Tim Keith talks best practices in growing loans with host Dan Marks based on analyzing billions of industry specific peer data points.
- How macro trends impacts planning
- Peer benchmarking to uncover new opportunities
- Data mining to prioritize high potential opportunities
- Understanding needs along the customer/member lifecycle
- How to grow loans with higher risk adjusted returns
- How to easily and quickly discover new data-driven opportunities for loan growth
Connect with Tim on LinkedIn
Check out infusionmarketinggroup.com
B2B Marketing maven, author, and podcaster Drew Neisser sits with host Dan Marks to discuss some of the marketing guidelines outlined in his new book Renegade Marketing: 12 Steps to Building Unbeatable B2B Brands, including:
- Drew’s role at Renegade and what led him to write his new book
- Drew’s fascination with Ben Franklin
- Why Drew has a passion for B2B Marketing specifically
- The CATS methodology
- How to be a Courageous marketer
- How to be an Artful marketer
- How to be a Thoughtful marketer – and why purpose matters
- How to be a Scientific marketer – and how to focus on metrics that matter
Georgia United Credit Union’s Chief Marketing Officer, Aaron Chestnut, joins host Dan Marks to talk branding, mission, the heart of marketing, and how to build an analytic-driven marketing culture! Highlights include:
- Aaron’s role at Georgia United (plus his company band!)
- Recent growth at Georgia United
- GU’s mission to serve, and why a company should walk the walk
- Aaron’s unique history building brands and how it helps Georgia United grow
- How “Freedom to Fail” leads to more winning
- Balancing the art and science of marketing
- The Jurassic Park Principle
- Aaron’s take on working for a company with a powerful culture and brand
- Aaron’s advice to his younger self as he moved from consumer products to financial services
Visit Georgia United’s website and check out the GUCU Foundation
Follow #GUCUCares on social media:
Cornerstone Advisors’ Sam Kilmer, co-host of The Fintech Hustle, and host Dan Marks discuss the latest technology and data driven growth trends from Sam’s perspective advising hundreds of institutions including:
- Sam’s banking career history and his current role at Cornerstone
- The story of Gonzobanker
- How the ecosystem of Financial Institutions is changing
- Banks utilizing data and analytics to gain market share
- Real world observations on lessons learned in using data for revenue growth
- Organizing for success to unlock the potential for data driven growth
- The importance for executives to recognize pain and using data to alleviate that pain
- What Sam’s priorities would be if he were to take a Chief Banking Officer/Chief Revenue Officer role in a bank or credit union
Ed Francis, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer for InBankshares, Corp and InBank, talks with host Dan Marks about the re-invention of the 100 year organization and subsequent growth including:
- How InBank’s growth has doubled in 3 years
- The importance of humanizing CEO’s and being “touchable”
- InBank’s origin story and the “why” of the InBank brand
- Ed’s leadership philosophy and being hands-on
- Using research and analytics to make better, data driven decisions and build long lasting relationships with customers
- Over-delivering on customer expectations with a combination of quick service technology and human interaction
- Ed’s advice to his younger self – and all new bankers
Connect with Ed on LinkedIn Visit Inbank.com
CAO/CMO at Grand Savings Bank, Natalie Bartholomew, AKA The Girl Banker, talks with host Dan Marks about her role in driving growth by creating a better place to work for everyone, including:
- Growth at Grand Savings Bank
- Natalie’s unique role at Grand Savings – Head of Marketing and Human Resources
- How branding and culture are two sides of the same coin
- The dangers of devaluing any roles in the bank
- Natalie’s philosophy around developing people
- The origin story of The Girl Banker brand and why it was important to develop her personal brand
- A take on the white-collar moms coming back to work after the pandemic and workplaces recognizing the value of being flexible
- Natalie’s advice to young women in banking
Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn and Social Media Visit TheGirlBanker.com Visit Grand Saving Bank’s website Listen to Natalie’s podcast
President and Chief Executive Officer at Washington Federal Bank, Brent Beardall, talks with host Dan Marks about where WaFd came from and to where he wants to drive it in the near future, including:
- The impressive growth at WaFd
- Brent’s philosophy around driving growth
- The idea of frictionless banking
- WaFd’s push to be a digital-first bank by 2025
- The difference between digital-first and digital-only
- Using data to make banking easier for the client
- Brent’s advice to his younger self
Connect with Brent on LinkedIn Visit wafdbank.com Investors, view WaFd’s Investor Relations page
The President/CEO at OnPath Federal Credit Union, Jared Freeman, shares his story and leadership philosophy with host Dan Marks, including:
- The growth at OnPath at its 60th anniversary
- Key strategies for driving growth
- The use of analytics and research to inform strategy
- Jared’s leadership philosophy
- An approach to fostering innovation and problem solving
- The story of Jared’s path to becoming a CEO at a young age
- Jared’s advice to his younger self
Connect with Jared on LinkedIn Visit beonpath.org Follow @OnPathFCU on social media
Infusion CEO Tim Keith talks ROI tracking and multi-channel attribution amongst the impending “cookie-pocalypse” with host Dan Marks, including: * How do we practically link outcomes to key marketing activities to understand impact? * How do we avoid stopping short and only looking at activity metrics like impressions and clicks? * How can you put in place a practical measurement framework that avoids crumbling under its own weight of complexity? * How to solve tracking outcomes across devices * Best practices and practical tips based on decades of experience
Connect with Tim on LinkedIn
Visit Infusion Marketing Group to learn more about how their knowledge, data, and marketing expertise helps community banks and credit unions grow their business
Kyle Edmonds, VP and Partner at Mitchell Signs, talks about the importance of physical branding with host Dan Marks, including: * Signage trends and changes within the financial services industry * Why banks and credit unions invest in physical branding * Developing a strategy to begin or update exterior and/or interior branding * New tech in signage * How a comprehensive brand plan includes both physical and digital elements * Kyle’s advice to his younger self
Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn
Visit Mitchellsigns.com
Watch this drone footage of an innovative signage install
Shane Loper, COO at Hancock Whitney Corporation talks to host Dan Marks about how his company’s values and mission relate to achieving top performance, including: * Shane’s background and how it influences his leadership philosophy * Shane’s journey from programmer to COO * How core values and company mission impact decisions * Examples and stories of how the company and community benefit from strong values * How strong values help chart a path of innovation and growth * Key take-aways and lessons learned * Shane’s advice to his younger self. Expanded on in this downloadable resource: Build a Great Personal Brand, a Message to My Younger Self
Connect with Shane on LinkedIn
Visit Hancockwhitney.com
In this episode, host Dan Marks and Matt Allen, CMO at Flagstar Bank, discuss using customer analytics to drive a shift in promotional strategies, including:
- Research and analysis used to identify opportunity to shift marketing strategies
- Gaining buy-in for that strategic shift
- Outcomes and impact from this strategy
- Actionable insight on implementing a relationship-based approach to marketing
- Matt’s advice to his younger self
Connect with Matt on LinkedIn
Visit Flagstar’s website
James Schenck, President & CEO of PenFed Credit Union and CEO of the PenFed Foundation, talks to Host Dan Marks about pay, performance, and culture at PenFed, including: * James’ thoughts on his role as CEO * Growth highlights at PenFed * PenFed’s key growth drivers, including people, products, and channels * Unique aspects of PenFed’s culture and the organization’s philosophy around people leadership and pay * The impact on culture and performance of pay practices * Key insights about leadership and integrity * James’ advice to his younger self
Connect with James on LinkedIn
Visit penfed.org and penfedfoundation.org
Douglas Scarboro, Senior Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and Regional Executive in charge of the bank’s Memphis branch talks to Host Dan Marks about the work the Federal Reserve is doing in community development and modernizing the US payment system, including: * How the Fed’s dual mandate shapes inclusion and innovation * Which programs are positively impacting communities the most * Using data and analytics to guide decision making * Segmentation and relevance in the context of community development work * How modernizing the US payment system is beneficial * Payment modernization, digital currencies, and crypto * Douglas’ advice to his younger self
Connect with Douglas on LinkedIn
John Oxford, SVP and Director of Marketing for Renasant Bank and author of the book No More Next Time: Marketing in the Age of Distraction, discusses the latest marketing trends for banks with host Dan Marks: * Bonus: hear the story behind the SEC Shorts YouTube channel * The idea behind John’s book * Why branding is crucial for banks, and why banks typically don’t do branding at a high level * How and why banks should leverage social media * The importance of “retargeting” * The effectiveness of email marketing and marketing automation for banks * How audience, channel, and message work together to drive impact * John’s take on SMS marketing * John’s advice to his younger self
Connect with John on LinkedIn
Delynn Byars, SVP of Marketing at First South Financial Credit Union, discusses onboarding best practices with host Dan Marks: * Why creating and implementing a systematic onboarding program was a priority * Key components of First South’s systematic onboarding program * How First South’s approach to onboarding has evolved and improved over time * The results First South has seen from implementing onboarding changes and how the credit union measures results * How the systematic onboarding program fits into the overall member experience * Key take-aways for others considering implementing or upgrading an onboarding program * Delynn’s advice to her younger self … and her work with Mid South Therapy Dogs
Connect with Delynn on LinkedIn
About First South Financial Credit Union
Learn more about credit union marketing with the Marketing Association of Credit Unions
Check out Mid South Therapy Dogs
Host Dan Marks and Katie Grover, SVP and Marketing Director at Fidelity Bank, discuss high-performance branding in the world of community banking, including: * Katie’s definition of “high-performance branding” * How Fidelity’s core values have shaped the bank’s brand * The ideal set of buying personas Fidelity’s brand is crafted to reach * Strategy driving the brand’s visual identity * How customer experience and community involvement help “prove” Fidelity’s brand values * The roles that targeted or addressable marketing, such as digital and direct mail, play in building the Fidelity brand * Katie’s advice to her younger self
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn
Visit Fidelity Bank online
Check out the Bravely Onward website
Read about Bravely Onward in The Wichita Eagle
Why is customer analytics crucial for planning and executing a bank or credit union merger or acquisition?
In this episode, Host Dan Marks and Rick Claypoole, Infusion EVP of Client Analytics, discuss this important topic, including: * Keys to successfully executing a merger integration * How banks and credit unions should use customer-level data alongside account data to plan for a successful customer experience * Virtual clean-room compliant customer analysis techniques and approaches * How an Infusion Opportunity Assessment applies in M&A situations * Some of the key impacts in the customer experience that can make or break a deal meeting pro-forma * The role “Super Onboarding” plays * And … Rick’s surprising connection to Groundhog Day and advice to his younger self.
Connect with Rick on LinkedIn
Visit Infusion online to learn more about how an Opportunity Assessment can help facilitate your M&A initiatives.