Credit Union Conversations

Welcome to Credit Union Conversations podcast with your host, Mark Ritter, a forward-thinking CEO, who excels in helping credit unions, small businesses, and real estate investors succeed. Join Mark as he explores current trends, interview industry experts, and get fresh insights on optimizing your lending operations and delivering the best possible services to credit union members. More about your host: Mark Ritter is the CEO of MBFS & Nu Direction Lending and an expert in credit unions and business lending. His primary role at MBFS is overseeing the strategy of helping credit unions assist members with business needs and consulting with credit unions on planning the delivery of services to their membership. In 2002, Mark started a large central Pennsylvania credit union’s business lending program as “one person and a desk” with no policies, products, staff, systems, or business members. That program grew to be one of the top ten in the nation. In 2012, he took on the challenge of being the CEO of a business lending CUSO. Mark was the fifth CEO in five years for the organization, which lost money every month of its existence. Since joining MBFS, Mark increased the number of credit unions the CUSO and revenue by over 10x and ensured positive cash flow every full year he’s been at the CUSO. More importantly, MBFS has helped countless credit union members gain the financing they need for business and investment needs. Mark is a native of Berwick, PA in northeast Pennsylvania, where he was a member of his high school’s nationally ranked and state championship football team. After high school, Mark hung up his cleats to work for the Penn State Nittany Lions full-time as a student assistant while attending Penn State as an undergrad. During this time Penn State transitioned to the Big Ten and culminated in Penn State’s first Big Ten Championship and a trip to the Rose Bowl. Mark remains an avid Penn State supporter. Today Mark lives in Bucks County, PA outside of Doylestown with his wife and two teenagers.

Credit Union Conversations is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 0 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Credit Union Conversations, a business show with 0 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #135

  Jammin' With Ed Marra of MBFS

  Aug 18, 202627 min

  This one starts as a lending podcast and ends as a full-blown rock history lesson. After Ed Marra briefly recaps his professional start in paralegal studies and early commercial lending work, Mark Ritter lets him run with his true passion, classic rock, growing up on The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Johnny Cash, then building a career performing Buddy Holly tributes with the blessing of Buddy Holly's own widow. Ed even jammed live with The Crickets and played The Cavern Club in Liverpool. The two dig into why radio consolidation has made it nearly impossible to find new rock bands today. What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Ed Marra's start in paralegal studies led him into a career in commercial lending ✅ How classic rock and rockabilly shaped Ed's early guitar influences growing up ✅ What it took to get official rights for Buddy Holly Tribute performances from Holly's widow ✅ Why radio consolidation and record labels favor formula over inventive new rock acts ✅ How touring revenue, not record sales, always paid classic rock musicians the most Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union’s growth today. TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Mark introduces MBFS team member and guest Ed Marra (01:08) Ed recaps his professional start in paralegal studies and computer software work (07:35) Mark asks what makes a commercial lending closing smooth versus going off the rails (10:27) The conversation shifts entirely into classic rock music and Ed's guitar influences (13:09) Ed shares how he began performing Buddy Holly tribute shows and met Holly's widow (18:13) Why radio consolidation and formula-driven record labels hurt new rock bands (24:46) How touring revenue always mattered more than record sales for classic rock artists KEY TAKEAWAYS: Independent Radio Stations used to champion raw, unpolished rock before big networks took over Ed personally negotiated with Buddy Holly's estate and spoke with Holly's widow for over an hour Acts like Chuck Berry and Little Richard relied on touring, not records, actually to get paid ABOUT THE GUEST: Ed Marra - LinkedIn RESOURCES MENTIONED: Mark Ritter - Website Mark Ritter - LinkedIn Keywords: Credit Union Conversations, Mark Ritter, MBFS, Credit Unions, CUSO, Classic Rock Music, Rockabilly, Americana, Buddy Holly Tribute, The Crickets, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Radio Consolidation, Record Labels, Touring Revenue, Independent Radio Stations, Chuck Berry

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #134

  What is Eben Sheaffer Up To These Days?

  Aug 11, 202624 min

  Mark Ritter sits down with Eben Sheaffer on Credit Union Conversations, talking credit union lending. Eben shares his journey from Wall Street finance to CDFI leadership, explaining how working capital financing and adaptive reuse lending are reshaping underserved communities across the country. From a groundbreaking securitization in equipment financing to revitalizing Detroit through impact-driven loans, Eben reveals why credit unions hold a natural edge in accounts receivable financing for small businesses. A candid look at the K-shaped economy rounds out this insightful conversation. What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why credit union lending gives depositories a natural edge in accounts receivable financing for small businesses. ✅ How adaptive reuse lending is helping revitalize vacant buildings in Detroit while lowering carbon impact. ✅ What the K-shaped economy means for community development and future loan demand. ✅ Why working capital financing remains the biggest unmet need for small business borrowers. Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union’s growth today. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Eben Sheaffer shares his origin story and unexpected path into community development credit unions 05:51 Consulting work today, including equipment financing and a first-of-its-kind securitization deal 06:56 Adaptive reuse lending and revitalizing vacant Detroit neighborhoods through impact investment 10:19 Navigating volatile interest rates, inflation swings, and the realities of the K-shaped economy 13:03 Running a CDFI in New York City and competing with large banks down the street 20:56 Best opportunities ahead in working capital financing for credit unions and CDFI lenders KEY TAKEAWAYS: Credit union lending thrives when institutions lean into working capital financing and accounts receivable deals. Adaptive reuse lending offers a lower carbon path to solving housing shortages in cities like Detroit. Understanding the K-shaped economy helps credit unions serve every segment of their community, not just the top. ABOUT THE GUEST: Eben Sheaffer - LinkedIn Gotham Impact Advisors - Website RESOURCES MENTIONED: Mark Ritter - Website Mark Ritter - LinkedIn SEO KEYWORDS: Credit Union Conversations, Mark Ritter, MBFS, Credit Unions, CUSO, Credit Union Lending, CDFI, Business Lending, Working Capital Financing, Adaptive Reuse, Community Development, Neighborhood Trust, Accounts Receivable Financing, Equipment Financing, Securitization, Interest Rates, K-shaped Economy

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #133

  Checking In with Andrew Wilson of Navigator Credit Union

  Aug 4, 202636 min

  What happens when a mid-sized credit union outgrows its comfort zone? Andrew Wilson of Navigator Credit Union joins host Mark Ritter to unpack the strategy behind explosive net income growth, a booming mortgage lending portfolio, and a scrappy new commercial lending division built almost from scratch. Wilson gets candid about surviving NCUA Exams, building trust with regulators, and why CUSO partnerships have become a secret weapon for smaller credit unions competing against the biggest banks in the country. Along the way, Auburn football and Mississippi Gulf Coast living make for a genuinely fun listen. What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Navigator Credit Union built a thriving commercial lending program through smart CUSO partnerships ✅ Why strong credit union lending yields and low cost of funds drive outsized net income ✅ Practical tips for surviving NCUA exams and building lasting relationships with regulators ✅ How digital banking and mortgage lending growth expanded member access along the Mississippi Gulf Coast Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union’s growth today. TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Andrew Wilson of Navigator Credit Union talks about Birmingham, growth along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Auburn football (13:29) A discussion on CUSO partnerships and collaboration among credit unions in commercial lending (16:45) Wilson explains how Navigator balances digital banking with in-branch member experience (20:07) The strategy behind Navigator's high net income and impressive credit union lending yields (22:32) Wilson shares his top tips for navigating NCUA exams and building examiner relationships (28:43) Wilson details loan portfolio diversification and strong mortgage lending growth and shares his outlook for the future KEY TAKEAWAYS: A disciplined commercial lending strategy through CUSO partnerships can turn a small credit union into a serious profit engine Welcoming NCUA exams as a partnership, not a battle, builds trust and smoother reviews over time Investing in both digital banking and face-to-face service keeps member experience strong across markets ABOUT THE GUEST: Andrew Wilson - LinkedIn Navigator Credit Union - Website RESOURCES MENTIONED: Mark Ritter - Website Mark Ritter - LinkedIn SEO KEYWORDS: Credit Union Conversations, Mark Ritter, MBFS, Credit Unions, CUSO, Credit Union Lending, Navigator Credit Union, Business Lending, Commercial Lending, CUSO Partnerships, Federal Credit Union, NCUA Exams, Consumer Lending, Mortgage Lending, Digital Banking, Deposit Growth, Loan Portfolio, Credit Risk, Member Experience

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #132

  Checking In With Michael Nagl of Centennial Lending

  Jul 21, 202643 min

  From bartending in Estes Park to golf lessons to running a multimillion-dollar CUSO, Michael Nagl's story proves that the best leaders take unexpected roads. He and Mark Ritter dig into mortgage-lending boom-and-bust cycles, why member service still beats automation, and how a niche auto-leasing program now serves credit unions nationwide. They also swap stories about golf at altitude and Estes Park, Colorado. Whether you run lending or just love a great career journey story, this episode of Credit Union Conversation delivers insight, humor, and real talk about building lasting credit union partnerships in a shifting rate environment. What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ How credit union lending partners like Centennial balance mortgage rate cycles with steady member service ✅ Why member business loans and commercial real estate lending demand local market expertise ✅ How indirect auto loans and leasing give credit unions a low-delinquency, high-yield product ✅ What separates a true credit union partnership from a simple vendor relationship Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union’s growth today. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Meet Michael Nagl, CEO of Centennial Lending, and learn about his ties to Estes Park, Colorado 05:10 From bartending to golf pro, Michael's unconventional path into credit union lending 12:19 Managing mortgage lending boom and bust cycles, including the 2023 workforce reduction 16:02 Why member service still wins over automation in today's mortgage lending market 22:56 Inside Centennial's member business loans and commercial real estate lending strategy 29:53 How indirect auto loans and leasing became a niche win for the credit union service organization 37:13 What makes a strong credit union partnership work, plus Centennial's four strategic pillars KEY TAKEAWAYS: Strong credit union lending relationships depend on communication, discipline, and genuine member service, not just rates Mortgage lending is cyclical, and CUSOs that absorb the boom and bust protect staff and credit union partners alike Auto leasing and member business loans give credit unions low-delinquency ways to diversify their lending portfolio ABOUT THE GUEST: Michael Nagl - LinkedIn Michael Nagl - Email RESOURCES MENTIONED: Mark Ritter - Website Mark Ritter - LinkedIn SEO KEYWORDS: Credit Union Conversations, Mark Ritter, MBFS, Credit Unions, CUSO, Credit Union Lending, Mortgage Lending, Member Business Loans, Commercial Real Estate Lending, Auto Leasing, Indirect Auto Loans, Credit Union Service Organization, Centennial Lending, Blue Federal Credit Union, Mortgage Rates

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #131

  Let's Meet Kendall from MBFS!

  Jul 14, 202621 min

  Careers in the credit union industry can take unexpected turns, as Kendall Boyle proves in this episode of Credit Union Conversations. From wedding-planning chaos to underwriting spreadsheets, Kendall’s career path is anything but ordinary. Host Mark Ritter chats with the MBFS portfolio analyst about surviving hospitality burnout, thriving in remote work, and finding calm through animal fostering. Kendall opens up about the emotional side of fostering kittens, the perks and pitfalls of working from home, and why Michigan summers on the lake make the long winters worth it. It's a warm, funny, and honest conversation about building a career that actually fits your life, on your own terms. What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Kendall moved from event planning and hospitality burnout into mortgage underwriting ✅ Why remote work at a credit union CUSO can support real work-life balance ✅ What it takes to become a foster home for kittens through your local humane society ✅ How credit union careers can lead to meaningful work in business lending nationwide Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union’s growth today. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Mark welcomes Kendall Boyle, portfolio analyst at MBFS, who shares her origin story 06:24 Kendall describes her career change into mortgage underwriting during the 2020 pandemic 08:52 Kendall discusses the pros and cons of remote work and finding true work-life balance 12:35 Kendall talks about fostering kittens and volunteering with the Capital Area Humane Society 16:44 Mark and Kendall close out discussing Michigan summers, snow belt winters, and MBFS KEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 Career changes can lead somewhere unexpected, as Kendall Boyle's move from event planning to mortgage underwriting shows. 💎 Remote work isn't just convenient; it can boost productivity and support a healthier work-life balance. 💎 Giving back through animal fostering, such as volunteering with a local humane society, brings meaning beyond the office. ABOUT THE GUEST: Kendall Boyle - LinkedIn RESOURCES MENTIONED: Mark Ritter - Website Mark Ritter - LinkedIn KEYWORDS: Credit Union Conversations, Mark Ritter, MBFS, Credit Unions, CUSO, Credit Union Careers. Business Lending, Remote Work, Underwriting, Mortgage Industry, Foster Kittens, Humane Society, Work Life Balance

  ListenShow Notes

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.