Like most of us, Alfredo Blancarte was looking for more in terms of his career and had no idea that this hidden gem of the Credit Union World was out there. He started in the industry as a Teller, moved to Training and Compliance, and is now helping PostCity Federal Credit Union startup their Business Development Department. As you can imagine given his diverse background, Fredo is an explosion of energy, member centric, and is always up for anything as he carries himself through his day to day. We met Fredo at the Big.Bright.Minds Conference last year and he for sure left the impression with us and we knew he was going places and we had to chat with him. Check out our interview with Fredo!
How did you get your start in the credit union industry and what keeps you here?
Like most, Credit Unions just happened! Lol I stumbled in and had no idea what I was getting into! I was having my second son and needed a job with a bit more career opportunity. So I thought to myself…..there has to be opportunity within the financial industry and boom here we are!
People helping people. I know some may think it is cliché, but as a “dreaded” millennial, I want to believe in what I am doing. I believe in Credit Unions, I believe we are here to help our members. We put them and their needs before all else including profit! Therefore, it simply feels different working for a Credit Union, because it is different! Our goals aren’t about money, or greed, it’s all about helping people! That is easy to get behind!
Tell us your experience with CRASHing? (What have you crashed and what did you take away from that experience)
I’ve had the opportunity to crash two events, the GAC and the Visa Innovation Lab in San Francisco. Furthermore, because I crashed the GAC in 2017, I was able to attend the next two conferences as a regular attendee! Both crashes were incredible! Of course, crashing the GAC is a bit different and should literally be on everyone’s list of things to crash! Any crash you attend will produce incredible insights and lifelong connections!
There are so many takeaways from crashing! For sure, a deeper knowledge and passion for Credit Unions! Both crashes opened my eyes to the possibilities inside of Credit Unions! Going to a crash introduces you to so many incredible people; you cannot help but be inspired! Crashing the GAC literally changed my career path and goals. It is one thing to want to accomplish great things, but when one sees someone just like them, accomplishing incredible things….you want to do that to!
What do you want to accomplish next?
Currently, I am tackling a new opportunity for a new Credit Union! I have started their business development department! Something I have learned and share is ‘focus’. It seems obvious, I admit it! However, it is easy to get distracted and want only the fun things, or awesome projects! Killing the daily function of a position is first and foremost, then comes the extras.
What would you like to see change in the credit union industry?
It may seem bias, but I would like to see EVEN more YP involvement. For instance, the GAC. I think it is a massive opportunity to not just have a YP crash, but simply attend! Going as a regular attendee was an awesome experience getting time with my CEO and upper management. Seeing so many passionate CU people can have a massive impact on a YP. Not just the GAC, but any conference and/or leadership event!
Tell us a bit, about what you are involved in outside the CU industry?
I have a little family with my wife, and two boys, four and five! They keep me busy, if I am not at church, coaching, at the park, in a pool, or at the beach, I am probably climbing! Between that the Dodgers, Kings, Lakers, and Rams, there is always something on TV! Kids in bed and a beer is a win for me!
CUltivate is people helping people with our mission to spread the word, connect the people, and give an outlet to share your stories. Know someone in the industry we should interview? Drop us a line at CultivateYP@gmail.com
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