Podcasts about first alliance credit union

“Our values are also meant to be adjectives.” – Brent RempeWelcome to episode 234 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your hosts, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight, and Jill Nowacki, President and CEO of Humanidei.This episode is sponsored by Trellance. Trellance is a leading technology partner for credit unions, delivering innovative technology solutions to help credit unions achieve more. With a comprehensive suite of analytics, cloud and talent solutions, the Trellance team ensures credit unions increase efficiency, manage risk, and improve member experience. Learn more here!In this new 2026 season, Jill and I will have conversations centered around leadership, credit unions, and living our best lives. We will have some of the most respected leaders from around credit unions who we are grateful to call friends join us in the discussion from time to time too.This week on the podcast, we are happy to welcome back Brent W. Rempe, President and CEO of First Alliance Credit Union. He joins us to discuss the importance of having and modeling values as a leader. Together, we talk about how values are often easy to name but much harder to put into operation, especially when leaders are faced with difficult decisions such as having to have accountability conversations, enact organizational change, and/or balance mission with financial realities.Listen in as Brent shares how his own values were shaped through early life experiences, Catholic social teaching, and years in the credit union movement, and how those influences continue to guide his leadership today as something that must be actively put into practice rather than just documented and/or stated. We also reflect on how values show up in real organizational work—how they are tested in moments of conflict, how they can be clarified via simple grounding questions, and how important it is to separate technical mistakes from deeper values misalignment.Throughout our conversation, we also challenge the idea that values belong solely on a wall or in a strategic plan and instead explore how they become real via consistent behavior, honest reflection, and accountability at every level of leadership—with Brent also walking us through how First Alliance redefined its mission, vision, and values via a collaborative, employee-driven process.Later, we talk about the very real tension between mission and margin, the importance of keeping things simple enough to remember, and why service must be more than a slogan if it's going to be at all meaningful. By the end of our conversation, we land on a shared truth: values are not what an organization claims but are what it does when no one is watching and when decisions get hard. Enjoy our conversation with Brent Rempe! Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.Connect with Brent:Brent W. Rempe, C.E.O. & President of First Alliance Credit Unionfirstalliancecu.com Brent: LinkedInFirst Alliance Credit Union: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTokSubscribe on: Apple Podcasts and SpotifyBooks mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book ListShow notes from this episode:Sponsor: TrellanceTV series mentioned: The Lion GuardArticle mentioned: Harvard Business Review - “Building Your Company's Vision”Book mentioned: Good to Great by Jim CollinsShout-out: Jerry I. PorrasShout-out: Sam PlesterShout-out: Mission Brands ConsultingShout-out: Kristina KovacevicShout-out: Callahan & AssociatesBook mentioned: CEO Excellence by Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller, & Vikram MalhotraShout-out: McKinsey & CompanyShout-out: WEOKIE Federal Credit UnionBook mentioned: Callahan's Strategic Growth Framework by Jon JeffreysPrevious guests mentioned in this episode: Brent Rempe (#182); Oscar Porras (#23 & CUInsight Network episode)In This Episode:[2:30] - Brent reflects on how his values have been shaped by his mother's servant leadership, resilience, and community commitment.[4:32] - Formative experiences in Catholic social teaching and cooperative principles also guide how Brent applies his values as C.E.O.[6:46] - Brent believes that difficult offboarding decisions require balancing values and accountability despite personal emotional strain.[8:07] - Hear how, when challenges arise, Brent focuses on collective outcomes and addressing problems directly.[9:32] - Jill argues that alignment creates clarity, peace, and better self-awareness.[12:57] - Brent asserts that leadership is action demonstrated via accountability, humility, and choosing others' interests over your own.[16:28] - Jill argues that values only count when actually put into action and not just on paper.[18:16] - Collaborative, staff-driven renewal of values strengthens alignment with purpose and direction.[21:16] - Simple, employee-created values can build ownership, alignment, and stronger organizational performance.[23:25] - Hear how having too many values can actually do more harm than good.[25:07] - Brent agrees and adds that values must be few, memorable, and clearly structured so that employees can consistently recall and apply them.[27:04] - Brent treats people with grace and multiple chances but also has to make hard decisions when growth stops.[31:04] - It's important for community service to prioritize underserved members and not just meet basic expectations or performance metrics.[34:52] - Hear how Brent has aligned leadership evaluation with mission-driven excellence.[37:56] - Discover how Jill models consistency.[40:01] - Brent regards C.E.O. leadership as constantly reinforcing values while encouraging progress and connection and avoiding complacency.[41:47] - Brent and Jill believe that authenticity, consistency, and passion are components of great leadership.[42:19] - Brent reveals that routinely spending time with his son helps him stay grounded.Send us Fan Mail

“If you're not growing, you're dying.” – Brent W. RempeIn this week's episode, Carol Schultz sits down with Brent Rempe (President & CEO of First Alliance Credit Union) to unpack what actually drives workplace evolution—and why most companies fail to make their values meaningful. Brent shares how his team redefined their mission, vision, and values after realizing the old ones didn't resonate, and how simplifying them into something tangible changed the direction of the organization.Brent explains why having too many values makes them forgettable, how organizations can embed values into hiring and performance systems, and why alignment matters more than raw output. They explore how behavioral interviews reveal real character, why pairing HR with hiring managers improves decision-making, and how growth can expose weaknesses inside a team. The conversation also touches on leadership realities—like imposter syndrome—and why purpose and storytelling are critical to keeping employees engaged. The episode closes with a practical look at how companies can create workplaces where people feel connected to the impact of their work, not just the job itself.TakeawaysMission, vision, and values only work if they are simple and actionableToo many values make culture harder to understand and applyValues should be embedded into hiring, performance, and daily decisionsBehavioral interviews help uncover genuine alignment—not rehearsed answersHR involvement improves hiring consistency and reduces biasGrowth without alignment can create internal frictionEmployees stay engaged when they feel their work has real impactStorytelling helps teams connect to purpose and meaningEven experienced leaders deal with imposter syndromeStrong culture creates momentum, not just complianceChapters00:03 Intro: What it means to evolve a workplace04:13 Rethinking mission, vision, and values05:14 Why simplicity in values matters07:33 The three core tools: mission, vision, values08:17 Embedding values into hiring and performance09:10 How to interview for alignment10:28 The role of HR in better hiring decisions15:58 Defining the ideal member and growth focus18:05 Looking beyond credit scores: human-centered decisions20:26 Growth challenges and team development26:19 Imposter syndrome among leaders31:25 Purpose, storytelling, and employee motivationConnect With Host Carol SchultzFind more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.Want to be our next guest expert? Email cat.gloria@verticalelevation.com with your information.And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!

"Lake City Chamber Chat" Ava LaRue speaks with Heather Thomas, Executive Director of the Lake City Chamber of Commerce about their Annual Golf Tournament this Friday, Lake City Area Arts Music Showcase this Saturday, Red Wing Arts Studio Tour next weekend, and Business After Hours on Thursday July 31st at First Alliance Credit Union.

"Lake City Chamber Chat" Ava LaRue speaks with Heather Thomas, Executive Director of the Lake City Chamber of Commerce about their Annual Golf Tournament next Friday July 18th at Lake City Golf Club, Red Wing Area Studio Arts Tour is including Lake City on July 26-27, and Business After Hours at First Alliance Credit Union on July 31st.

Sue and Ben welcome Brent Rempe back to share his insights on how important it is that the people in your organization resonate with and live its mission, vision, and values. We learn about the "Mars Group" that helped craft First Alliance Credit Union's core values and how they're focusing on tangible benefits for their members.Some awesome ideas: Minnesota Zoo Treetop TrailTaking a moment to share with your loved ones. The Little Liar, Mitch AlbomThe ideas shared in this podcast reflect the personal perspectives of our hosts and guests. We believe that the world runs on fresh ideas and share what we've learned through experience, but these conversations aren't a substitute for professional consultation. The views expressed don't necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Exclamation Services, its clients, or partners.

In this episode, hosts Ben and Sue chat with Brent Rempe, President and CEO of First Alliance Credit Union in Rochester, Minnesota. Brent is passionate about purpose-driven leadership, and in this episode, he shares why "Purpose is my Jam!" He talks about how he got to where he is today, the significance of purpose in his life and career, and how it plays a role in his business. We also dive into his work with Purpose Driven Coffee, a social enterprise designed to impact communities positively. Get ready for a conversation about how purpose can guide us in business and in life.

Learn how to make down payments affordable with expert tips, loan options, and assistance programs that bring homeownership within reach in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Discover whether cash or a kids' debit card, like Greenlight, is better for teaching financial skills, budgeting, saving, and independence to your child in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Understanding credit scores is crucial for financial health. Learn how to build and maintain a strong credit profile in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Learn smart holiday budgeting tips, from Black Friday deals to Travel Tuesday savings, and make your money stretch for a stress-free festive season in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Learn how an Overdraft Line of Credit can provide financial stability and peace of mind for families facing unexpected expenses in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Don't let ghost credit and zombie debt haunt you! Learn how to build a solid credit profile and effective strategies to protect yourself from this lurking financial threat in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

New research suggests more people in Rochester MN are living paycheck to paycheck than expected. Dive into the A.L.I.C.E report and what this research means for Minnesota in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union, Andy Brownell with KROC AM, and special guests Jerome Ferson and Grace Pesch with United Way of Olmsted County.

Did you know letting your credit card sit idle can impact your credit score? Discover strategies to keep it active without accumulating debt in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Thinking of buying a home? Make sure you understand what PMI on a mortgage is & how it relates to the cost of your mortgage, plus learn strategies to eliminate it in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Learn how to recognize popular fraud scams, protect yourself from falling victim, and what to do if you've already been scammed in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Is your credit score holding you back from achieving your financial goals? Learn key steps to fixing your credit score in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

We all love our pets, but not the expenses they bring. Discover how to financially prepare for your furry friend's expenses and ensure peace of mind for any situation that may arise in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Title:?Teaching children about money management from an early age is crucial to setting them up for financial success later in life. Explore budgeting, saving, and smart spending tools for teaching kids money skills in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Discover how to afford your car, car loan payment calculators, tips for buying, and strategies for saving on car loans in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Discover smart financial planning tips, including budgeting, investing, and saving strategies. Start building a secure financial future when you this listen to episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM

Refinance car loans easily. Learn how to lower your monthly payments, reduce interest rates, and improve loan terms to better fit your financial goals in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Discover essential questions to ask when buying a used car to ensure a smart purchase. Get tips for a reliable vehicle and avoid common pitfall of used car buying in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Discover how to use a HELOC for second home purchases or investment property. Learn smart strategies and understand the benefits and risks involved in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Discover the key differences between Home Equity Loans vs HELOCs to make the best financial choice for your needs. Learn which option suits you best in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Discover how to afford a recreational boat with our quick guide on boat loans, including options, terms, & strategies to fit your budget so you can live your best Minnesotan lifestyle in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Learn how home equity is calculated and discover effective ways to build it. Boost your financial security with smart home equity strategies in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Should you get a business credit cards for your small business? Discover how business credit cards can be a valuable tool for managing your business finances, providing convenience, improving financial management, offering rewards, and credit-building opportunities in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Have you heard of Greenlight, the debit card and money app for kids and teens? Discover the features and benefits of using Greenlight to teach your kids real life money skills (and how to get free* access to the app) in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union, Brandon Horne from Greenlight, and Andy Brownell with KROC AM. *First Alliance Credit Union members are eligible for the Greenlight SELECT plan at no cost when they connect their First Alliance Credit Union account as the Greenlight funding source for the entirety of the promotion. Subject to minimum balance requirements and identity verification. Upgrades will result in additional fees. Plans start at $4.99/mo. Upon termination of promotion, customers will be responsible for associated monthly fees. See terms for details. Offer subject to change or renewal.

Did you know that there is more than one type of credit card? Explore secured, student, store cards, and travel cards to learn how you can build credit, earn rewards and avoid high credit card fees in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Jenna Taubel with First Alliance Credit Union explains how buying and arranging varying term certificates of deposit can help you maximize your earnings on you savings accounts.

Learn some of the key terminology used by credit card companies and what they really mean in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Learn how to build your credit score with our step-by-step guide. Explore how using secured credit cards can to help you establish and improve your credit score in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Follow along with the real-life story of a small business owner trying to overcome high credit card debts. Uncover the often-overlooked solution to quickly paying off credit card debts and gaining control over your money this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

If you have a credit card and a debit card in your wallet, do you know when it

Inflation is often referred to as the silent thief of your money. Explore what inflation is, its causes, how it impacts your finances, and some strategies to help minimize its effects on your paycheck in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Maybe you've heard of a credit union, but do you know what makes them unique? Explore the history of credit unions and what makes them different from a bank in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel and Brent Rempe from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Will checking your credit score lower it? Does a high income guarantee a high credit score? Uncover the common myths and learn the facts about credit scores in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Is it better to use your savings or take out a loan to pay for life

Do you know why your kids need to learn about money management? Do you know how to teach money skills to your kids? Uncover the benefits of teaching your kids financial literacy and get some of our best tips for how to encourage your kids to make good money moves in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

“Listen, learn, and co-create a future together.” - Brent RempeThank you for tuning in to episode 182 of The CUInsight Experience podcast with your host, Randy Smith, co-founder of CUInsight.com. This episode is brought to you by Humanidei. Humanidei helps credit unions build inclusive cultures that attract, develop, and retain talent.My guest on today's show is Brent Rempe, President & CEO at First Alliance Credit Union. Brent shares his career journey that led him to credit unions and his current role. He shares the value in discovering your niche and defining your purpose to effectively lead and serve. The team at First Alliance Credit Union continues to foster connections and ignite positive change within their communities. During our conversation, Brent discusses how to pursue a heart-led purpose for your team and members. He shares the lasting impact mentors have had on his career and advises those working towards a leadership role. Brent emphasizes the importance of value alignment and trust in building a culture within the organization. Listen as we discuss strategies to effectively serve and influence communities while staying aligned with the mission.As we wrap up the show, listen in as Brent talks about being amazing by his team, making time for his family life no matter how busy he may be, and recalling advice he got from his mom. Enjoy my conversation with Brent Rempe!Find the full show notes on cuinsight.com.Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher Books mentioned on The CUInsight Experience podcast: Book List How to find Brent:Brent Rempe, President & CEO at First Alliance Credit Unionbrempe@firstalliancecu.comfirstalliancecu.comBrent: LinkedIn First Alliance: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube

Whether you're a newcomer to Rochester, MN or a long-time resident looking for some exciting activities around the city, you're in for a treat! Explore Rochester, MN with special guest Becky from Rochester Local as she joins us in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Have you ever wondered what a home equity loan is or how it works? Home equity loans can be a homeowners best financial tool to accomplish a wide variety of goals. Discover the benefits of home equity loans in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel and Kim Ferraro from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Do you want to stop renting and own a home? This is a common goal of many renters, however there are several pros and cons to consider for both home options. Dive into these benefits and financial considerations of renting vs owning in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Have you ever wondered why you have to file taxes? Do you know what to do if you owe money to the IRS? Discover the answers to these common tax questions and more in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Love in the digital age is complicated, especially when the person on the other side of the screen isn

Why does everyone have a side hustle, and should you start one? Discover the reasons behind the growing trend of side hustles and tips for how to start your own successful side venture in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Is your financial situation impacting your self-worth? Explore the impacts your financial status has on your identity and how to overcome these psychological factors in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Money talk can be a heated topic for a lot of couples. Discover how to make money related conversations with your partner less stressful in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.

Are you having trouble reaching your financial goals? Uncover the most common reasons people struggle to reach their financial goals and the easy steps you can take to put yourself back on the path to reaching them in this episode of Good Money Moves with Jenna Taubel from First Alliance Credit Union and Andy Brownell with KROC AM.