I started working for America First in 1987—or as some of our younger members might say, in the late 1900s. I was an accounting major at Weber State College at the time and was just looking for a way to pay my tuition. Of course, as I began my new job as a clerk in Accounts Payable, I didn’t know I would someday find myself moving into my 39th year as a credit union employee. However, I did know from that very first day, that there was something truly special about this organization. I couldn’t have told you what it was then, just that it immediately felt different from anywhere I’d worked before. There was something in the way my co-workers treated each other and me, and even more, in the way they talked about and treated our members.

Two short paragraphs open and close our mission statement. Together they read, “Our mission is to provide personal financial services of a superior quality to the members/owners, our chief concern being their financial well-being. Among financial institutions, this credit union is a unique organization with deep and abiding human values. Our goal is to maintain those qualities.” What I couldn’t quite put my finger on that first day, but what I’ve seen firsthand every day since and come to profoundly appreciate, is just how much we believe in and structure all our efforts around those words and the people they represent. We care deeply about our members and we measure our success by their success. Everything we do, and everything we strive to do, is for them—all of them and each of them.

Credit unions are by nature collectives, but collectives are by nature made up of individuals. Each member is in a different stage of life with a different economic situation, and each has their own dreams and aspirations. I think what makes America First so special and so strong is our fundamental commitment to providing each individual member with only the best, most relevant products, tools, resources, and opportunities, as well as the most personal, thoughtful, and convenient service. We do everything we can to get to know each of our members personally so that we can understand them better, meet them where they are, help them reach their unique financial goals, and serve them more completely. That’s the difference I felt way back then on my first day. We aren’t one-size-fits-all— we’re one-on-one.

Looking back, I doubt I ever could’ve imagined that my part-time job here would turn into this career I love, or that it would bring countless amazing people and experiences into my life. I’m so grateful it did, though, and that I’m able to work for an organization with the mission to see, serve, and support people. Thank you for being part of it, for everything you do for your fellow members and your communities, and for trusting us to help you improve your financial well-being and achieve your goals.