Member Spotlight: Fred Brown

CUNA Councils
July 28, 2008 | COMMENTS

Fred Brown is member development manager for Northeast Family Federal Credit Union in Manchester, Connecticut. Although he's fairly new to the credit union industry, “I have sunk my teeth in and don't plan on letting go,” says Fred. That includes serving on the REAL Solutions and Youth committees for the Connecticut Credit Union League, which he thoroughly enjoys. Fred is also president of the Rotary Club in Colchester. Fred and his wife Robin live in a small town in southern Connecticut with their two dogs, Oki and Macks.

“I spent more than 20 years with other companies, including my own, and yet marketing to credit union members takes on a life of its own,” Fred indicates. “Marketing to potential members is great. My attitude is, ‘If they only knew?' If people only knew what membership could do for them, they would sign up in droves.”

Biggest challenge

We're an SEG credit union, so trying to get people (companies, as well as individuals) to realize the benefits of membership is always a struggle.

Best advice

"You don't get what you don't ask for." Even if you don't think there is a chance in . . . still ask! You might be surprised.

Best part of my job

The sheer diversity of what I do keeps me motivated. I can be designing posters for our current marketing campaign one moment, and then be out visiting a group the next, and then reworking the website.

Hardest part of my job

Not enough time and money. I want more time to do more things and more money in the budget, for the same reason.

Recent success story

For Credit Union week, we enjoyed the company of several elected leaders, from mayors to Congressmen to State Senate President. Again, if you don't ask, you can't expect to receive! I took the time to hand-write invitations and follow up. Granted it took a lot of time, but it worked. They showed up and we got terrific press.

Biggest misconception about my job

That it's easy and all I do is attend chamber events and schmooze! The second-biggest misconception is "Wow, you work with all that money." If they only knew. . . .

Hobbies and interests

My grandson. My two rescued dogs—at about 115 pounds each, I work for food, Rotary, movies, food, and wine.

Recent book

Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog (I'm learning more about the bond between human and canine).

Life goal not yet achieved

Traveling to Italy and trying each and every kind of wine, throughout the country.

Something that always makes me laugh

My dogs Oki and Macks (hmmm, have I mentioned them before?)

Favorite quote

“It's always easier to edit than to create.”

Music in your iPod or MP3 player

70s and 80s rock.

If I could spend a day with anyone it would be . . .

Neil Peart, the drummer from Rush. I am a drummer, though in no way do I resemble anyone of Neil's caliber, but I would like to talk to him about his gift.

How would I explain the credit union difference to a potential new member?

I would discuss the difference between member and customer and then go to a credit union (preferably mine) and SHOW them what it means to be somebody, instead of a number.