Happy New Year!
As we count down the waning hours of 2015 and steam full speed ahead to 2016, I can't help but pause and reflect on the past year.
I started 2015 with a sense of uncertainty. The startup CUSO I was leading was closing down. After coming to the end of it's capital and despite delivering results on multiple digital marketing products, it struggled with focus and economically viability.
I was disappointed. I had put nearly two years of blood, sweat and tears into this company leaving a successful career as a marketing leader in AdTech and Software companies.
But I was drawn to the opportunity and the industry.
I grew up learning first hand an appreciation for credit unions and what they do for families and communities. So I resolved to join the CUSO and take up the cause of connecting credit unions and their field of membership.
The Credit Union Consulting Group Vision
As the CUSO wound down, members of my board and some of our founding investors shared their belief that the industry was at a crossroads with digital. A belief I shared and so I took a leap of faith and set out on a mission with the following vision:
To build a firm with a singular credit union focus and understanding, creating partnerships to help credit unions seize opportunities created by a connected world where:
- Members and prospective members are always on and always on the go.
- Financial solutions are sought 24/7/365, not just mortgages in one month, car loans another.
- Tools and technology change faster than a snapchat disappears but can provide tremendous insight.
- Community matters.
In 2015, I launched both the Credit Union Consulting Group and it's parent company Lake One, a boutique digital consultancy firm that works with Blue Chip and Startup brands on digital business strategy. I'm humbled and amazed at where the past 9 months have taken me and my companies. But more so that you've allowed the Credit Union Consulting Group into your lives, conversations and onto your teams.
As I look forward to 2016 I find renewed promise in a favorite quote of mine from the 1960's era Journalist George Matthew Adams:
"There is no such thing as a self-made man. We are made up of thousands of others. Every one who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our success."
Whether you were client, friend, advisor, colleague or interested follower of our content in 2015, Thank You for entering into the make up of the Credit Union Consulting Group, and mine personally.
I hope you continue to come along on the ride in 2016 as we pursue our vision and continue our work in connecting members, new and existing, with credit unions nationwide through today's digital means.
All my best in 2016,
Ryan
Ryan Ruud
Founder & CEO
Credit Union Consulting Group & Lake One, LLC
